LPGA Rookie Pak Hospitalized

South Korean golf star Se Ri Pak was hospitalized Saturday night because of a cold, leaving her status for next week's Japan Classic in doubt.

"Pak has fever and muscular pains. She is very exhausted and needs to rest for some time," Samsung Medical Center said in a news release Sunday.

Pak, 20, developed symptoms late Saturday after playing in rainy conditions in the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Championship. She shared the lead with compatriot Yeon Yong-nam at even-par 144.

On doctors' advice, she skipped the final round Sunday.

Depending on the pace of her recovery, Pak might have to drop out of the Japan Classic, the next to last event of the LPGA Tour season.

"We can't tell for sure yet if Pak will attend the Japan Classic or not. We'll have to wait and see how she recovers," said Shim Moon-bo, a Samsung spokesman.

Earlier in the week Pak demonstrates her swing for Korean fans. (AP)

Since arriving Tuesday for a weeklong visit, Pak has appeared on television programs, attended several welcome-home ceremonies and meet-the-fans events, and competed in the Korea LPGA Championship.

Local media criticized Pak's sponsor, the Samsung group, and related local organizations for imposing too tight a schedule on her.

"Pak's exhaustion was an expected tragedy. Everybody wanted to make business, using Pak. ... She couldn't rest enough," the Yonhap News Agency said.

Pak has four victories on the LPGA Tour, including the U.S. Women's Open and the LPGA Championship.

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