Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits and celebrates her 16th tour victory.
The season-opening LPGA Tour event, 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 organizers to cancel the final round.
Two tournaments were held simultaneously at the golf course. The LPGA season opener followed a 72-hole stroke play format, while a separate event featured the top qualified amateurs from the week’s Pro-Am competition. Each professional was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, changing each round. The amateurs and celebrities competed using a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Takes Advantage of Chaos to Secure 16th LPGA Title
Although Nelly Korda led the LPGA main event on Saturday with a strong 64 and a three-shot lead, the event’s organization reportedly became chaotic on site. Eight players had to halt their third round Saturday due to cold and strong winds, finishing only Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately secured her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second, three shots behind, followed by Brooke Henderson in third.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament early on Sunday was delayed significantly, drawing heavy criticism over management and communication. The final day began with lows around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h. Organizers postponed the final round start multiple times, awaiting better conditions. When the temperature only rose to 4°C, officials decided to not resume play, even though warmer weather was forecast for Monday.
The LPGA cited unplayable conditions due to cold temperatures combined with strong winds causing balls to roll uncontrollably on greens. The amateur tournament, however, started with a nine-hole round at 10 a.m.
Confusion Over Unequal Treatment
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols of Golfweek was on site and noted that journalists waited from 10 a.m. for explanations as to why amateurs played more than nine holes while LPGA players waited inside for final day decisions. Even after four hours, no updates on continuation plans were provided by the LPGA.
Following discussions among officials, tournament staff, partners, and course maintenance, the LPGA announced the event would be reduced to a 54-hole tournament. The weather forecast predicted similar conditions on Monday, preventing a 72-hole completion.
Conflicting Statements on Conditions
Despite the freezing weather, some disagreed with the cancellation. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing in the amateur event, told Golfweek she considered the course playable. \”I don’t understand why play is stopped,\” she said. \”There are pitch marks everywhere. I made some great shots today, and the ball even stayed in place. It’s tough, cold, but as fair as anything.\” Former tennis player and amateur participant Mardy Fish described the greens as feeling like concrete.
LPGA Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky explained the decision, noting the extremely hard ground affected shot flights during practice. Recognizing