The Loop

LPGA pros WD from Japan event after using the old "volcano eruption" excuse

November 05, 2015

Tour pros are accustomed to having their patience tested by the whims of Mother Nature. But does her purview include volcanic eruptions?

After participating earlier this week in Bali at the Lexus Cup, LPGA players Jessica Korda, So Yeon Ryu, Azahara Munoz and Beatriz Recari have become stranded on the Indonesia island thanks to ash spewed from nearby Mount Rinjani causing the airport to be closed for three straight days.

Korda and Ryu were both attempting to get to the United States, Korda having spent more than 30 days in Asia competing in various tournaments. She was victorious at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia event last month.

Munoz and Recari, meanwhile, were supposed to be on their way to Japan to compete in the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic. Aware of the players' travel issues, LPGA officials had put the Spaniards in the final tee time for Friday’s opening round. However, with the Bali airport shut down again on Thursday, both players had to withdraw from the tournament.

Missing the event could have larger ramifications for Recari, who is currently ranked 71st on the Race to the CME Globe points list. The top 72 after next week's Lorena Ochoa Invitational are eligible to play in the LPGA season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. Recari is not in the field, however, for the Ochoa event.

That said, the players seem to have taken things in stride, judging from photos they've posted via social media.

Exactly when the foursome will finally get to be "rescued" from their tropical prison, however, remains to be seen.