By John Strege
Natalie Gulbis does have malaria, contrary to previous reports, the LPGA and Gulbis' agent IMG confirmed in a statement Wednesday. She has withdrawn from the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup that begins Thursday in Phoenix.
Gulbis became ill at the HSBC Champions in Singapore, an event from which she withdrew. Initial reports cited the flu. "She's not feeling well," David Livingston, Gulbis' IMG agent told the Golf Channel. "She does have flu-like symptoms, but, to be clear, she has not been hospitalized and there is no diagnosis of malaria."
Gulbis is home and receiving treatment, the statement said, "and is expected to be at full strength in three weeks. LPGA doctors have been consulted and believe she is on appropriate medications, under great care, and her prognosis is excellent."
Meanwhile, Scottsdale Healthcare, the founding partner of the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, will be on site today "to provide blood draw for players, caddies and family members wishing to be screened."
