Freezing temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits and celebrates her 16th tour win.
The LPGA Tour 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 very windy weather in the ‘Sunshine State’ forced tournament officials to cancel the final round.
Two tournaments ran simultaneously on the course: the 72-hole stroke-play LPGA season opener and a competition featuring the best qualified amateurs from the week’s Pro-Am, where each professional player teamed with two celebrities or amateurs rotating by round. The amateurs and celebrities competed under a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Seizes Opportunity to Secure 16th LPGA Title
Despite a strong 64 on Saturday to lead the LPGA field by three strokes, the tournament’s organization deteriorated into chaos according to observers on-site. Eight players had to suspend their third round on Saturday due to cold and wind, completing it only Sunday afternoon. This secured Korda her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second, three strokes behind, followed by Brooke Henderson in third.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament early on Sunday was delayed causing significant criticism regarding procedure and communication. The final day started with lows around -4°C and winds up to 24 km/h. Officials repeatedly delayed the final round start hoping for better conditions but ultimately, with temperatures only rising to 4°C, decided the LPGA play could not continue—even though warmer weather was forecast for Monday.
Controversy Over Unequal Treatment
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek described the situation on social media: journalists waited since 10 a.m. in the press room for explanations why amateurs could play more than nine holes while LPGA players waited in the clubhouse. Even after four hours, no information was provided about continuation plans.
The LPGA officially announced the tournament would be reduced to 54 holes due to weather forecasts predicting similarly harsh conditions on Monday, making a full 72-hole conclusion impossible.
Conflicting Statements on Course Conditions
Not everyone agreed with the decision. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, playing in the amateur event, told Golfweek she found the course playable despite the cold: \”I don’t understand why play stopped. There are pitch marks everywhere, and I made some great shots today with the ball holding still. It’s difficult and cold, but as fair as anything.\” Former tennis player and amateur Mardy Fish noted the green felt like \”walking on concrete\” Sunday morning.
LPGA’s Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky cited the extremely hard ground affecting shot flight during practice at the planned 10 a.m. start. She explained the need to maintain championship-level conditions for stroke play, unlike the amateur Modified Stableford event, justifying the 54-hole finish to ensure fairness to all competitors.
Criticism of LPGA Communication and Waning Excitement in Women’s Golf
Beth Ann Nichols criticized the delayed and unclear