One of the most disappointing trends that have emerged this season across both the American women’s and men’s circuits is the series of withdrawals of golfers from tournaments! Many of these have happened due to injuries and health struggles. Just look at Hideki Matsuyama and his recent withdrawal from the Wells Fargo Championship.

However, the situation in New Jersey appears to be graver than one might have anticipated. Injuries did plague many of the women pros; for instance, Ruoning Yin and Lindsey Weaver-Wright sustained wrist injuries that led to their withdrawal, along with Lim Kim, who also cited an injury behind her exit from the event. To make matters worse, it looks like a viral infection has been going around the National Liberty Golf Club, and the other 7 players, including defending champion Rose Zhang, Maja Stark, Caroline Masson, and the rest, might be suffering from the same!

The LPGA Tour took to their official X handle (formerly Twitter) to update the fans about the ongoing situation. Medical professionals have tended to the golfers in need. The post further stated, “Medical professionals on site have treated several althletes for symptoms related to a viral infection.” 

Except for Rose Zhang, who cited intestinal pain as the reason for her withdrawal, the other pros have yet to confirm the details of their illness. After the completion of the first round, four more LPGA pros withdrew from the event, including Paula Creamer, Minami Katsu, Jiwon Jeon, and Haeran Ryu.

The supposed viral infection has affected the star-studded field miserably. Amid all the chaos, the LPGA and tournament organizers are still working to find an appropriate solution to the problem, “The LPGA and tournament organizers continue to monitor the situation closely, and are working together to advise and assist the LPGA athletes with precautions to try to keep everyone healthy.” While the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open was indeed a huge success, it looks like this year’s championship is filled with daunting challenges for the players.

Though there was no severe rain as speculated during Round 1, there was constant drizzling at the Liberty National Golf Club, which made it immensely difficult for the player to continue. “Gets frustrating. I was kind of losing it all over on the front nine. With so many layers on and the rain, you can get frustrated,” said a frustrated Nelly Korda. Well, the disruptions are to go on throughout all the days of the Mizuho Americas Open.

Is the 2024 Mizuho Americas Open cursed with bad luck?

Although the second round predicted 25% chances of rain and 78% cloud cover, fortunately, there were no such disruptions. Unlike the challenges faced during the first round, it did end smoothly.

As Atthaya Thitikul takes over the leaderboard with 2 strokes away from So Mi Lee at -9, the penultimate round of the championship does not seem very pleasant. Saturday calls for an 82% chance of precipitation with 1.5 hours of rain at a density of 2.8 mm. There are even slight chances of thunderstorms. According to the report, there will be a thick cloud cover with a shower.

What more is in store for the Mizuho Americas Open? From penalties to supervision, following a viral illness, and, of course, to make it all worse, no blessing from Mother Nature, will the Mizuho Americas Open be as successful as it was last year? Stay tuned to find out!