Freezing temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda takes advantage and secures her 16th tour victory.
The season-opening event of the LPGA Tour, the 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 were held simultaneously on the course. The LPGA season opener was played in a 72-hole stroke play format, alongside a tournament with the best qualified amateurs from the week’s Pro-Am competition. Each pro was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated every round. The celebrities and amateurs competed under a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Seizes Opportunity, Claims 16th LPGA Title
Despite delivering a strong 64 on Saturday and securing a three-shot lead at the top of the leaderboard, Nelly Korda’s tournament was marred by organizational chaos. Eight players had to suspend their third rounds early Saturday due to dropping temperatures and high winds, only finishing on Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately secured her 16th LPGA Tour victory. Amy Yang finished second, three strokes behind, followed by Brooke Henderson in third.
The decision to prematurely end the LPGA event on Sunday was delayed, sparking significant criticism of the organizers’ approach and communication. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h. Officials repeatedly postponed the start of the final round awaiting better conditions. When temperatures only rose to 4°C, it was declared the event could not continue, despite forecasts predicting warmer weather on Monday.
According to the LPGA, the combination of cold and wind made the course unplayable, with balls rolling uncontrollably on the greens. Meanwhile, the amateur tournament started at 10 a.m. as a nine-hole round.
Confusion Over Unequal Treatment
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from the American newspaper Golfweek was on site and commented on the situation via social media. Journalists waited in the press room since 10 a.m. for explanations on why amateurs played more than nine holes while LPGA players awaited a decision. Even after four hours, LPGA provided no update on possible continuation.
After consultations among rules officials, tournament staff, partners, and course maintenance, a formal announcement stated the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes due to the weather ailments forecasted to persist, making a 72-hole finish impossible.
Contradictory Opinions on Conditions
Not all agreed with ending the event early. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing as an amateur, told Golfweek she found the course playable: ‘I don’t understand why play was stopped. There were