World number 28, Charley Hull has withdrawn from this week’s ANA Inspiration after testing positive for coronavirus.
The Englishwoman entered the second women’s Major of the year as one of the leading contenders having finished runner-up at the event four years ago but took to twitter to express her disappointment about having to pull out of this year’s renewal.
“As part of the LPGA Tour’s Covid-19 testing process, I was informed this morning that I tested positive for Covid-19 and I have withdrawn from the ANA Inspiration,” she said.
“I didn’t feel great yesterday but I put it down to jet lag, the heat and my asthma playing up. I now realise I have some mild symptoms which feel similar to having a cold and I am self-isolating and working with Tour on contact tracing.
“I am very disappointed to have to withdraw from what is one of my favourite events of the year but wish everyone the best of luck at this week’s tournament and look forward to when I can return to playing on Tour.”
LPGA return to play protocols now dictate that the 24-year-old must quarantine for 10 days before being reassessed and cleared to resume competition.
Hull joins defending champion, Jin Young Ko as another big casualty for the event, however in Ko’s case, she chose not to engage in the travel protocols required by both South Korea and the United States to compete at the tournament.
Ireland have three representatives in the starting field with Jordanstown’s Stephanie Meadow and Cavan’s Leona Maguire joined by amateur Olivia Mehaffey at Mission Hills.
Leave a comment