The $2.2M Buick LPGA Shanghai field has seen an absence of numerous top golfers this year, including Nelly Korda and Charley Hull. However, in a recent update shared by the LPGA Media, another LPGA pro, Ilhee Lee, decided to withdraw mid-tournament. The WD has raised eyebrows among the golfing world, sparking nagging questions like: What prompted this sudden WD? And whether there is a bigger underlying issue.

The LPGA Media shared the withdrawal update. Lee withdrew right before the third round, when she sat at T72 (3-over). However, neither the board nor Lee provided any clarifications on the withdrawal. She moved to Los Angeles from Dallas five years ago to rehabilitate her surgically repaired shoulder that has bothered her on and off for a decade. It could be possible that her shoulder was creating problems for her again. While it’s not possible to specify the WD reason right now, speculations are rising.

One of the most nauseating challenges was the extreme heat conditions right as the tournament week rolled in. Experiencing a hotter daily high of 95 degrees, up from the usual 80 to 90 degrees, for 23 days straight, the courses underwent a lot of damage. However, the weather conditions don’t seem to have improved, even with the championship in full motion.

Accuweather predicts hot and humid weather conditions today, with a possibility of dehydration. That raises serious health hazards, as the golfers grind through the hostile conditions. Whether that might have taken a physical toll on Lee’s health is still under speculation. However, Lee’s inconsistent and vastly disappointing performance in the 2025 season might hint at an underlying issue, instigating the withdrawal.

Ilhee Lee managed to make the cuts in only 4 of her 9 starts this year. The disappointing stretches of underwhelming performance began after a commendable runner-up at her season-opening ShopRite LPGA Classic championship. Things only went downhill from there. Finishing outside the top 40 in all of her starts following the brief success, Lee’s worst finish came at the Kroger Queen City Championship at T117. Amassing a little over $200k this year, Lee is currently sitting at 72 in the CME points ranking.

Could it hint at a bigger health concern plaguing her performances? Or is her withdrawal just a response to the unbearable heat at the Quizhong Country Club? It’s hard to conclude anything at this moment. But a look at the field clearly hints at a weather disturbance in Shanghai.

Brutal heat at Buick Shanghai turns course conditions hostile

The Buick LPGA Shanghai event was punishing for the golfers, with extreme heat and its damaging blow on the greens. The venue experienced highs of 95 degrees or more, beginning late August and continuing until early October. That resulted in baked greens and patchy, uneven fairways. And, just like moist courses can make the conditions more difficult for the swings, dried-out greens can pose similar threats.

The hostile course conditions triggered comments from numerous top golfing personalities. Retired LPGA pro, Michelle Wie West’s former caddie, Matthew Galloway, posted a picture of the course on Instagram, writing: “Safe to say you can throw the putting stats out the window this week in Shanghai for the LPGA players.”

Similarly, contending golfer Leona Maguire also commented on the conditions, as she posted a regular picture and a close-up picture of the course, with the caption: “Instagram vs. reality.” Maguire finished even-par 72 for the opening round, below expectations, under the light of her usual performance.

Defending champion Rouning Yin faced significant struggles, too, scoring a 1-under 71. Ironically, golfers like Jeeno Thitikul and Minjee Lee delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their competitive spirit despite the chaos. Thitikul finished 9-under T5 for the second round, while Minjee Lee carded 7 birdies in the first round.

Ilhee Lee’s withdrawal served as a stark reminder of the serious toll of the brutal conditions in Shanghai. While some players thrived despite the chaos, the punishing heat and demanding greens disrupted the momentum of even seasoned pros like her.