Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits and celebrates her 16th tour win.
The LPGA Tour’s season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions was scheduled to take place 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 were held simultaneously on the course: the LPGA season opener in a 72-hole stroke play format and a tournament featuring the top amateurs qualified from the pro-am competition held during the week. Each professional player was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, with celebrity partners changing each round. A modified Stableford system was used for the amateurs and celebrities.
Nelly Korda Capitalizes on Chaos to Secure 16th LPGA Title
On Saturday, Nelly Korda surged to the top of the leaderboard with a strong 64 and a three-shot lead in the main LPGA tournament. However, the event’s organization deteriorated into chaos as eight players had to halt their third round early due to cold and strong winds, finishing their rounds only on Sunday afternoon. Ultimately, Korda secured her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second, three strokes behind, followed by Brooke Henderson in third place.
Officials delayed the decision to end the tournament prematurely on Sunday, which sparked significant criticism regarding procedure and communication. The final day started with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h. Organizers repeatedly postponed the final round’s start, waiting for better conditions. When temperatures only rose to 4°C, it was decided the tournament could not continue, even though forecasts predicted warmer weather for Monday.
According to the LPGA, the combination of low temperatures and strong winds made play impossible, as balls rolled uncontrollably across the greens. Conversely, the amateur tournament started a nine-hole round at 10 a.m.
Confusion over Unequal Treatment
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from the American newspaper Golfweek was present and commented on the situation via social media. Since 10 a.m., journalists waited in the press room for explanations as to why amateurs played more than nine holes while LPGA players waited in the clubhouse for a final round decision. Even after four hours, the LPGA gave no new information about the tournament’s continuation.
In an official LPGA statement, it was announced that after discussions among officials, staff, partners and course maintenance teams, the tournament was shortened to a 54-hole event. The forecast for Monday was similarly cold, preventing a full 72-hole completion.
Contradictory Statements on Conditions
Not everyone agreed with the decision. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing in the amateur event, told Golfweek she found the course playable: \”I don’t understand why play was stopped. There were pitch marks everywhere. I made some really good shots today and the ball stayed on the green. I’m surprised. It’s tough, it’s cold, but it’s as fair as anything.\”