Freezing temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda capitalizes and celebrates her 16th tour victory.
The LPGA Tour’s season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions was scheduled from January 29 to February 1 at the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida. However, unusually cold and windy weather in the Sunshine State prompted tournament officials to cancel the final round.
Two tournaments ran concurrently on the course: the LPGA season opener in a 72-hole stroke play format and a separate event featuring the top amateurs qualified from the Pro-Am competition held during the week. Each professional player was paired with two celebrities or amateurs whose partners rotated each round, with a Modified Stableford scoring system used for the celebrity and amateur contest.
Nelly Korda Seizes Chaos, Claims 16th LPGA Title
Despite setting the pace on Saturday with a strong 64 and a three-shot lead in the main LPGA event, the tournament’s ongoing organization was reportedly chaotic. Eight players had to suspend their third round on Saturday due to the cold and wind, finishing only by Sunday afternoon. Korda secured her 16th LPGA Tour win, with Amy Yang finishing three strokes behind in second place and Brooke Henderson third.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament early on Sunday was delayed and drew heavy criticism for poor communication. The final day started with temperatures near -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h, causing multiple start delays awaiting better conditions. When temperatures rose to only 4°C, officials determined the tournament could not continue, despite forecasts of warmer weather later on Monday.
According to the LPGA, the combination of low temperatures and strong winds made play impossible as golf balls rolled uncontrollably on the greens. Meanwhile, the amateur event commenced at 10 a.m. with a nine-hole round.
Confusion Over Unequal Treatment
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols of Golfweek was on site and noted journalists waited since 10 a.m. for information on why amateurs played more than nine holes while LPGA players awaited the final day decision. Even after four hours, the LPGA provided no updates on continuation plans.
In an official statement, the LPGA announced the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes after discussions among officials, staff, partners, and course maintenance. They also highlighted the unfavorable weather forecast for the following day, which would have prevented a full 72-hole completion.
Contrasting Opinions on Course Conditions
Not all agreed with the cancellation. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing in the amateur event, told Golfweek she found the course playable despite the cold. \”I don’t understand why play stopped,\” she said. \”There were pitch marks everywhere. I made some really good shots today, and the ball held its line. I’m surprised. It’s difficult and cold, but it’s as fair as anything.\” Former tennis pro and amateur participant Mardy Fish described the practice green as feeling like concrete on Sunday morning.
LPGA Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky explained the ground was extremely hard, affecting shot