Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener, with Nelly Korda securing 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 Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida. However, unusually cold and windy weather in the Sunshine State forced officials to cancel the final round.
Two tournaments ran simultaneously on the course: the LPGA season opener in a 72-hole stroke play format and a special event for top amateurs from the week’s Pro-Am competition. Each professional was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated each round, playing under a Modified Stableford scoring system.
Nelly Korda Takes Advantage of the Chaos to Claim 16th LPGA Title
Nelly Korda surged to the top of the leaderboard on Saturday with a strong 64 and a three-stroke lead. However, poor organization marred the remainder of the event. Eight players had to stop their third rounds early due to cold and strong winds, only finishing Sunday afternoon. This allowed Korda to secure her 16th LPGA Tour win, with Amy Yang finishing second, three strokes behind, and Brooke Henderson in third.
The decision to end the tournament early on Sunday was delayed, drawing heavy criticism over the officials’ communication. The final day began with lows around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h. Organizers postponed the final round’s start multiple times before concluding at 4°C that play could not continue, despite forecasts of warmer temperatures later Monday.
The LPGA stated the tournament was unplayable because low temperatures combined with strong winds caused balls to roll uncontrollably on the greens. Meanwhile, the amateur event started at 10 a.m. as a nine-hole round.
Confusion Over Different Treatment of Professionals and Amateurs
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek, on site, reported that journalists waited from 10 a.m. for explanations on why amateurs played more holes while LPGA pros awaited a decision. Even after four hours, no updates were provided on the tournament’s continuation.
An official LPGA statement said the Tournament of Champions 2026 was shortened to 54 holes after discussions with rules officials, staff, partners, and course marshals, citing similar unfavorable weather forecast for Monday that would prevent a 72-hole finish.
Conflicting Views on Course Conditions
Despite the frigid conditions, not everyone agreed with the decision. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, participating in the amateur event, told Golfweek she found the course playable, noting good shots and balls holding on the greens despite the cold.
Former tennis player and amateur Mardy Fish described the greens as feeling like “concrete“ at around 9:00 a.m.
LPGA Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky explained the final round was called off due to extremely hard ground affecting shot trajectories during practice. She clarified the differences between the Modified Stableford for amateurs and stroke play for pros, emphasizing that every CME point matters and the championship level competition required ending after 54 holes