Former world No.1 golfer Jiyai Shin has withdrawn from this month's Gold Coast Challenge and Women's Australian Open citing medical reasons.
South Korean Shin was to have been the leading drawcard at the new-look Challenge tournament which has replaced the defunct Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines this week, having won the Ladies Masters last year.
And the two-time Women's British Open winner was also expected to provide strong competition to the likes of world No.1 Lydia Ko, world No.2 Ariya Jutanugarn and Australia's Minjee Lee at the Women's Australian Open at Royal Adelaide from February 16-19.
"Due to medical reasons, which have prevented me from practising, playing and preparing for the upcoming events and following the advice of the medical doctors, I must take the next month to regain my health," said Shin in a statement.
"I am truly saddened that I cannot play in Australia. Coming to Australia to play is a highlight of my yearly schedule and when I was invited back for the 2017 events, I did not hesitate to say yes."
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ALPG CEO Karen Lunn was sympathetic.
"We are obviously disappointed to lose a player of Jiyai's calibre from the field at this week's RACV Gold Coast Challenge, but we thank her for her support throughout the year and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery."
