The action is hot and rising at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai. Yes, it’s time for the Buick LPGA Shanghai championship, teeing off from October 9-12. Co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour and the China LPGA Tour, the event features a prize purse of $2.2 million. Battling for grabs at the trophy is a star-studded field, featuring World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, Minjee Lee, and Miyu Yamashita. Defending champion Rouning Yin would bring her A-game to the field as she tries to retain her crown. However, fans will feel the absence of several notable players from the field. Let’s take a look at the ladies who have decided to sit this one out.

#1: Nelly Korda

One of the biggest names missing from the Buick Shanghai championship is Nelly Korda, the former World No. 1. The decision came after Korda withdrew from the upcoming Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown. As it turns out, the golfer who once used to reign the leaderboards and rankings is assuming a quieter schedule in the season-ending stretch of the year.

According to the LPGA’s official website, the American pro incurred an injury, leading to the withdrawal. However, Korda fleshed out the actual reason behind her decision. She revealed that her body had worn down from the hectic LPGA schedule of her 2025 season.  Moreover, the 27-year-old emphasized the lingering injuries that her body was still recovering from.

“I would say by this time of the year my body is definitely worn down,” the LPGA pro shared. Her most recent event came at the Lotte Championship, where she finished T4 at 14-under. Although an impressive performance, it marked yet another heartbreak as Korda failed to secure her maiden title of the year. The stats will stay that way until her next return to the greens, expected to be at the Annika in Florida in November.

#2: Lydia Ko

Sitting at No. 3 on the Rolex Women’s rankings, Ko is yet another marquee female golfer missing out on the action this week. While her name was struck out of the list, neither Ko nor the LPGA has issued any official explanations for the WD. While speculations on her absence rise, her strategic scheduling appears as a plausible answer to the void.

The New Zealand golfer opted out of the Meijer Classic earlier this year to rest before the majors and recover her body. Additionally, Ko also sat out the FM Championship to preserve energy before the AIG Women’s Open. These decisions highlight her strategic maneuver, prioritizing the marquee events. Moreover, it also serves as a crucial checkpoint for Ko, who has struggled with inconsistent performances this year, missing a cut at the Evian Championship. This provides her time to train and find her groove back before she returns. The upcoming Hanwha International Crown might just be that event Ko is preparing for while she sits out the Shanghai event.

#3: Charley Hull

Like Ko, Charley Hull‘s absence went unexplained, too. Rather, the golfer’s name was painfully absent from the LPGA’s official field breakdown for the Shanghai event. While Hull’s 2025 season has been commendable, her injuries have played the spoilsport. Positioned No. 5th on the Rolex rankings, the absence stings deeper given the loss of the top-line female golfer.

A look at her brutal 2025 season, marked with injuries, attempts to answer this loss. Beginning with a mid-field collapse at the Evian Championship in July, the year stretched out as a health nightmare for the LPGA pro. A freak ankle injury right before the PIF Championship added to her struggles.

However, despite these challenges, Hull delivered an exceptional season, with a Kroger City title and a runner-up at the Aig Women’s Open. But as it seems, the injuries might still be taking a physical toll on Hull, prompting her to cross out the Buick LPGA Shanghai event.

#4: Lexi Thompson

Another big name missing from Shanghai is Thompson. Since her retirement announcement from full-time golf last year, the LPGA pro has maintained a semi-retired status. This means that Thompson only participates in a select number of events, taking more control of her personal life. Her most recent run came at the Kroger City Championship, where the pro delivered a rather underwhelming performance, finishing T63. However, she has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, too, with a 2nd place finish at the Dow Championship.

But Thompson manages her schedule rigorously, taking breaks every once in a while. In July, she announced a five-week hiatus from golf, citing the need for personal time off. That caused her to miss the Amundi Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open. Her absence in Shanghai also reflects her priorities for her personal life and breaks from her career.

#5: Hyo Joo Kim

One of the highest-paid Korean female golfers, Hyo Joo Kim, is one of the fan favorites. However, the 30-year-old was mysteriously left out of the official list of golfers in the field. Both the LPGA and Kim have yet to explain the absence. While it’s impossible to comment on it, it’s possible to make an educated guess. And a look at her 2025 season might help.

As of October, Kim has competed in 17 events this season. That includes notable, high-caliber performances like her victory at the Ford Championship and multiple runner-ups. The Korean golfer finished in 2nd place for the Chevron Championship, the Lotte Championship, and the ISPS Handa Women’s Open. Under the light of her demanding schedule, her absence from the Buick LPGA Shanghai appears to be a strategic reset for her body. Moreover, with the International Crown gearing up, the Korean golfer might just be preparing for the competition ahead this month.

The absence of these ladies from the Shanghai fields is nothing short of a heartbreak for fans. However, with numerous top golfers of the game taking a step back, it provides the emerging talents an opportunity to make their mark and shake the leaderboards.