There was a lot of buzz in the golfing fraternity when the LPGA announced its long-awaited return to Mexico after being off the calendar for nearly 8 long years. The Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba, set against the stunning backdrop of resort city Playa del Carmen, promised to be a marquee event designed to expand golf’s global reach. Sadly, this comeback has, so far, started to feel more like a missed fairway than a birdie on the first hole.

From the very start, this tournament lacked serious firepower. Fans were left scratching their heads after golf superstars like Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lydia Ko, and Jeeno Thitikul decided to sit this event out. Sure, the US Women’s Open is right around the corner, and players might be conserving energy, but let’s be real: this golfing event was a prime opportunity to grow the game in an emerging golf market and inspire new fans.

Take Korda, for example. The World No. 1 is laser-focused on finally capturing the US Women’s Open title—one that’s eluded her since. She’s previously called the Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin “a beast,” and understandably so, with its demanding layout and punishing roughs. With the major just around the corner, running from May 29 to June 1, Korda is sure to be training for the big tournament. Her absence may be well planned, but it’s still a big blow to fans hoping to see her play and cheer her on in Mexico.

If the lack of star power wasn’t enough to dampen spirits, things really took a strange turn on day 1. Just as fans had begun to settle in, the LPGA Media handle began dropping one tweet after another, stating that three players—Annie Park, Xiaowen Yin, and Jennifer Song—had withdrawn mid-round. While Park and Yin bowed out due to illness, Song withdrew without an immediate explanation. These sudden mysterious exits have left fans puzzled and wondering what’s up behind the scenes, with one fan commenting, “Illness… after 16 holes?”

Now, untimely withdrawals are not the only thing this tournament could struggle with.

Is the Weather at the Riviera Maya Open Playing Spoilsport?

Well, it’s Mexico – so it’s no surprise it’s hot out there. We’re talking 84.2°F with humidity that even the most seasoned pros would struggle with. We’ve seen this happen before: players wilting in similar conditions at the 2019 PGA Championship in Old Bethpage, and again at LPGA events in tropical locales like Thailand and Singapore. Three players dropping out in one round? That’s more than just an unfortunate coincidence! While no official statement has been made, it’s hard to ignore the possibility that the stifling weather might have contributed to the withdrawals.

Naturally, we can’t expect fans not to be disappointed. The build-up to the LPGA’s return to Mexico was super intense, and to see it fizzle without big names up on the leaderboard is tough. On the bright side, this opens the door for fresh faces to make their mark–and hey, who doesn’t love a good underdog story, right?

As the Mexico Riviera Maya Open rolls on, the spotlight now turns to the remaining field, with players like Charley Hull, Rio Takeda, Hye Jin Choi, and 2016 winner Carlota Ciganda seizing the opportunity to shine. Fans remain hopeful that the rest of the weekend at Mayakoba is smooth sailing–and that next year’s edition brings back the big names we’ve been waiting to see battle it out under the blazing Mexican sun.