2024 Buick LPGA Shanghai: Will Lydia Ko Play in China After Missing Arkansas?

The 2024 season could not get any better for Lydia Ko. She kickstarted it by lifting the trophy at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January. While it hasn’t been a smooth road, even after some setbacks, she got back on top and has been nearly invincible since August. To begin with, she secured the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

After the Olympics, she won a Major (AIG Women’s Open) followed by a team victory at the Solheim Cup. Her last appearance was at the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G in September. However, Lydia Ko was not part of the field at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Now the question is, will she be part of the next LPGA Tour event?

After a week’s break, the Ladies Professional Tour is headed to China for the Buick LPGA Shanghai. The fourth edition of the tournament will be held at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai, China, from October 10 to October 13. The official website of the LPGA Tour has already released the field list, and once again Lydia Ko will not be part of the championship. But why is this? First, the BMW Ladies Championship is almost here (October 17 to October 20), which is a significant tournament.

Additionally, the CME Race to the Globe Tour Championship is scheduled for November, which will determine the final ‘Player of the Year’ title. Although she has made no official statements as of now, there is a possibility that many top players are skipping the field to come back in full form for the upcoming major events. Now with Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and other players out of the field, who are the top players in Shanghai competing this weekend?

Players to look out for at the Buick LPGA Shanghai

World No. 1 might not be part of the field, but several top players like Rose Zhang and Ruoning Yin will be competing in China to claim victory at the 2024 Buick LPGA Shanghai. Last year, Angel Yin won by defeating Lilia Vu in the first playoff. That was also her first and only Tour victory so far. She will be part of the field as the defending champion.

Adding to the list is Danielle Kang, who not only won the inaugural tournament but has also won the tournament twice. She will be aiming for her third victory at the event. And of course, there are other top players like Jeeno Thitikul, Mao Saigo, and Hannah Green, who will be putting up a tough fight. Who do you think will emerge victorious this year? Stay tuned to find out!