Defending champion Rose Zhang withdrew from the Mizuho Americas Open after just three holes on Thursday.
Zhang had won the same tournament on her professional debut in 2023 to scoop her maiden LPGA Tour title and was looking to successfully defend for the first time in her fledgling career.
But in a post on social media explaining the decision, the LPGA Tour said Zhang's decision was made "due to illness."
The 20-year-old Californian had begun her first round on the back nine at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey with two pars and a double bogey before choosing to exit the tournament. Fellow playing partners, Lydia Ko and Albane Valenzuela will complete the first and second round as a pair.
The LPGA Tour said that Zhang's next competitive start is set to be at the US Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club between May 30-June 2.
Rose Zhang has withdrawn from the @MizuhoLPGA due to illness.May 16, 2024
Zhang had come into this week's competition - which is being hosted by legendary figure, Michelle Wie West - in perfect form having battled past Madelene Sagstrom in a fascinating shoot-out at the Cognizant Founders Cup.
Zhang's success last week officially ended Nelly Korda's run of five consecutive LPGA Tour trophies and prevented her fellow American from moving past Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez for most LPGA Tour victories in a row.
It was the first time she had not won an LPGA Tour event since the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in mid-January, the first tournament of the 2024 season. The World No.1 ended last week T7 following a disappointing weekend that featured a pair of one-over scores.
Korda had made a slow start at the Americas Open, too, shooting one-over par across her first nine holes - the back-nine at Liberty National - as she attempts to rediscover her winning touch.
America's Andrea Lee was the early pace-setter in New Jersey, starting out on four-under through her front nine, as Australia's in-form Gabriela Ruffels closed in on three-under in the group behind.
-
Multiple-Time LPGA Tour Winner Eyes 2026 ReturnAfter 18 months away from the game, Jessica Korda is eyeing a return to action, with the American claiming 2026 is 'what we’re shooting for'
-
Home Favorite Fights From Six Back To Win Alfred Dunhill ChampionshipThe penultimate DP World Tour event of the calendar year was won by South African Shaun Norris after the 42-year-old shot 67 to triumph by one
-
Multiple-Time LPGA Tour Winner Eyes 2026 Return
After 18 months away from the game, Jessica Korda is eyeing a return to action, with the American claiming 2026 is 'what we’re shooting for'
-
Nelly Korda Debuts New TaylorMade Driver At Grant Thornton InvitationalThe World No.1 was spotted using a TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver, which appeared on the USGA’s Conforming Clubs list earlier in the week
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Prize Money Payout 2024How much money is on the line at the Grant Thornton Invitational?
-
R&A Introduces New Transgender Policy For Top Women's Golf EventsThe R&A has introduced a new transgender policy prohibiting golfers who have been through male puberty from taking part in top women's events
-
Tony Finau Pulls Out Of Grant Thornton InvitationalTony Finau has withdrawn from the Grant Thornton Invitational due to a knee injury, with his place alongside Nelly Korda being taken up by Daniel Berger
-
NCAA Div 1 Champion, World No.14 And LET Winners Amongst 26 Players Who Secured 2025 LPGA Tour CardsAfter almost a week of drama, 26 players have secured their playing rights on the LPGA Tour for 2025, with 10 rookies joining the top circuit
-
American Pro DQ'd From LET Q-School Without Hitting A ShotGabby Lemieux travelled over to North Africa for Ladies European Tour Q-School but was disqualified on the first morning of action
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Odds, Picks And PredictionsThe mixed pairs event returns for another year, with 32 of the biggest names from both the PGA and LPGA Tour circuits featuring once again
