The LPGA’s return to Shanghai this week turned out to be punishing for golfers.
Pros competing at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club for the $2.2 million event are facing unbearable heat, uneven course conditions that have sparked concern across the field and prompted a formal response from the Tour.
On Thursday, the LPGA released a statement to Golfweek, acknowledging the growing concern.
“We are aware of the course conditions at the Buick LPGA Shanghai,” it read, as quoted. “The golf course superintendent, tournament team, and the LPGA rules officials have worked diligently against extreme heat conditions this season in preparation for this week’s event. We will continue to monitor the situation and care for the course appropriately throughout the week.”
They’re not exaggerating about the heat. While Shanghai’s September highs typically hover between 80 and 90 degrees, this year saw 23 days above 95 degrees from late August through early October.
That kind of prolonged heat has left the greens in rough shape. Some areas appear baked dry, others are patchy and uneven, and few so ravaged that it’s hard to imagine where officials could even cut the hole.
The visuals from Thursday’s opening round confirmed what players had been hinting at all week.
Minjee Lee, among others, confronted the conditions during press conferences. Yet, despite the chaos, she recorded seven birdies on Day 1.
The world No. 4 carded an 8-under after the first two days, tying for eighth place. She currently sits five strokes behind the leader, Minami Katsu.
This isn’t the first time the LPGA has had to wrestle with tough weather conditions. Just last month, the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship was shortened to 18 holes due to severe thunderstorms, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
Still, scoring wasn’t entirely stifled in Shanghai. Fifty-seven players finished under par on Friday, showcasing a high competitive spirit and positivity.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul finished under the top five, scoring 9-under after Day 2. Meanwhile, Nelly Korda, world No. 2, is currently out of the competition after battling through injury setbacks.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on how players navigate the unpredictable greens and whether the LPGA’s course care efforts can hold up under the heat.
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