Lydia Ko has pulled out of an LPGA tournament in Texas due to an eye infection, and she could lose the World No. 1 title she has held for 79 weeks.

Lydia Ko © T. Plassais / Swing Féminin

Ko was over-, had to retire before the third round of the Volunteers of America tournament.

His agent said in a statement that Ko had an inflamed eye due to an infection, possibly caused by his seasonal allergies. A doctor advised Ko not to wear contact lenses until his situation improved.

Ko could yield its first world rank to the South Korean So Yeon Ryu or the Thai Ariya Jutanugarn.

Ryu will become No. 1 in the world if she finishes first or second in Texas. Jutanguran started the second round one stroke behind the leader, Haru Nomura, and could rise to the top of the world rankings with a win.