LPGA Injury Update: Mystery Illness Forces Cheyenne Knight to WD From Honda LPGA Thailand

Cheyenne Knight pulled out of the Honda LPGA Thailand after shooting a 3-over 72 on Thursday. Knight was competing in her third event of the calendar year, riding on a powerful form since January. The withdrawal was rather surprising, considering there were no early indications as such. 

LPGA Media tweeted that Knight pulled herself out after the first round due to illness. There were no specifics available at the moment the report went to publication. Neither the LPGA Pro nor the female circuit offered any clarification on what might have caused the illness. Naturally, it is also not clear how long the two-time LPGA Tour winner will be out from the greens.

Cheyenne Knight had two top-ten finishes this year. Prior to the Honda LPGA Thailand, the 27-year-old had a T9 finish at the LPGA Drive On Championship. At the season opener, the HGV Tournament of Champions, Knight was tied for fourth on the leaderboard. 

Before withdrawing from the tournament, the 2023 Solheim Cupper posted a 3-over 75 to settle in the 72nd position. Making two bogeys and a double bogey on the par-5 seventh hole, the 27-year-old ended his front nine at 3-over 40. Back nine offered her some relief as the American International went to save eight pars, with one birdie on the penultimate hole.

Cheyenne Knight, now in her seventh year on the elite circuit, has 14 top-ten finishes, including two silverware. Considering the competitive player that she is, it is unlikely that she will stay away from the greens much longer unless a serious injury cuts short her stellar run of form. 

How Cheyenne Knight battled past trauma

Golf started as a pastime for Knight. Her father was an avid golfer, but she picked up golf seriously only in her early teens. But thanks to her interest in multiple sports—basketball and equestrian horseback riding—the competitive mindset was infused early on. So, when she floundered in her first friendly golf tournament, she was motivated to bounce back stronger. Eventually, she made it to the University of Alabama roster a few years later.

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For Cheyenne Knight, her late brother Brandon has also been a source of inspiration. Her brother was killed in a car accident while coming back from a concert. Knight was just 12. “

Brandon made me into the person and athlete I am today. I not only live and play for Jesus, but I play and compete to honor Brandon and his legacy,” Knight told the LPGA Tour during her rookie year. The $1.7 million Honda LPGA Thailand kickstarted the LPGA Tour’s early Asian swing. Peiyun Chien was the Thursday leader at the Siam Country Club Old Course after firing 8-under-64 in the first round.

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