A bout of malaria is keeping LPGA glamour girl Natalie Gulbis off the links.
Gulbis was forced to withdraw from this week’s LGPA Founders Cup in Phoenix after she contracted the disease during the tour’s Asian swing.
The 30-year-old pro said she was “bummed” to miss the tournament at the Wildfire Golf Club in a Wednesday tweet to her more than 143,000 followers.
“I am bummed to not be able to play this weeks LPGA Event in Arizona and appreciate all the sweet comments on Twitter from everyone…”
Gulbis, the 5-foot-9 veteran with 36 career top-ten finishes on her resume, is expected to be back at full strength in three weeks, according to a statement from the LPGA.
“Natalie continues to be treated at home and is expected to be at full strength in three weeks,” the statement read. “Natalie’s well-being is a top priority for both the LPGA and IMG, and steps continue to be taken to ensure the well-being of Natalie and all the players on the LPGA Tour now and for future events. LPGA doctors have been consulted and believe she is on appropriate medications, under great care, and her prognosis is excellent.”
Two weeks ago, Gulbis pulled out of the HSBC Women’s Champions event in Singapore before the second round with an illness that was later confirmed to be malaria.
Gulbis, who has attracted just as much attention off the course as on during her decade-long career, opened the season with a 63rd-place finish in the LPGA Thailand.
In 2012, the blond shed her golf attire in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue wearing nothing more than bodypaint. She also appeared on the second season of “Celebrity Apprentice.”
With News Wire Services
