Icy temperatures and organizational troubles shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda capitalizes for 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 very windy weather in the Sunshine State forced tournament officials to cancel the final round.
Two tournaments were held concurrently on the course. The LPGA season kickoff was played in a 72-hole stroke play format, alongside an event featuring top qualified amateurs from the pro-am competition held during the week. Each pro was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated each round, and the amateurs played using a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Takes Advantage of Chaos to Secure 16th LPGA Title
Nelly Korda surged to the top of the leaderboard on Saturday with a strong 64 and a three-shot lead, but according to onsite observers, the organization of the tournament’s continuation became chaotic. Eight players had to suspend their third round on Saturday due to cold and wind, and only completed it on Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately secured her 16th LPGA Tour title, with Amy Yang finishing three shots behind in second, followed by Brooke Henderson in third.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament prematurely on Sunday was delayed significantly, drawing criticism regarding the handling and communication of officials. The final day in Orlando began with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h, prompting multiple delays in starting the final round to await better conditions. When temperatures only rose to 4°C, officials concluded that play could not continue, despite warmer forecasts for Monday.
The LPGA stated the course was unplayable due to the cold combined with strong winds causing balls to roll uncontrollably on the greens. The amateur event, however, started at 10 a.m. with a nine-hole round.
Confusion over Differential Treatment
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek was present and noted that journalists waited in the press room since 10 a.m. for information on why amateurs could play more than nine holes while LPGA players waited for a final decision, with no updates for over four hours. A statement later said the tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to conditions and forecasts preventing the completion of 72 holes.
Conflicting Opinions on Conditions
Not everyone 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. There were pitch marks everywhere, and I made some really good shots today with balls that even held their line. It’s cold and tough, but as fair as can be.\” Former tennis player and amateur Mardy Fish described the practice green as feeling \”like walking on concrete.\”
LPGA’s Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky explained the final round’s cancellation: \”The ground was extremely hard and affected shot trajectories during warm-ups.\” She emphasized the difference between the pro stroke play and the modified stableford for amateurs, noting the importance of fairness