Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits and secures her 16th tour victory.
The LPGA season-opening 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 windy weather in the Sunshine State forced officials to cancel the final round.
Two competitions ran simultaneously at the course: the LPGA season kickoff in a 72-hole stroke play format and a tournament featuring the top qualified amateurs from the week’s Pro-Am. Each pro player was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated every round. The celebrities and amateurs competed under a Modified Stableford scoring system.
Nelly Korda Takes Advantage of Chaos to Secure 16th LPGA Title
Despite posting a strong 64 on Saturday to lead by three shots, the tournament’s organization deteriorated, observers reported. Eight players had to suspend their third rounds Saturday due to cold and strong winds, finishing only Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately claimed her 16th LPGA Tour title, with Amy Yang finishing second three shots back, followed by Brooke Henderson in third.
The decision to end the tournament early on Sunday was delayed, drawing significant criticism over communication and management. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and wind gusts up to 24 km/h (15 mph). Officials postponed the final round multiple times, awaiting better conditions. When temperatures only rose to 4°C (39°F), it was decided the event could not continue, despite forecasts for warmer weather Monday.
According to the LPGA, the cold combined with strong winds caused balls to roll uncontrollably on the greens, making play unsafe. The amateur competition, however, began a nine-hole round at 10 a.m.
Confusion Over Different Treatment of Competitions
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek, present on-site, highlighted the confusion on social media. From 10 a.m., journalists waited for explanations why amateurs played over nine holes but LPGA players were stuck waiting. Even after four hours, no updates were provided on resuming or ending the tournament.
An official LPGA statement later announced the tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to weather, with similar conditions expected to prevent a full 72-hole completion.
Mixed Views on Course Conditions
Not all agreed with the cancellation. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing as an amateur, stated to Golfweek the course was playable despite the cold, citing good shots and balls holding on the greens. Former tennis pro Mardy Fish described the putting surface as feeling like concrete that morning.
LPGA Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky explained the decision, noting the extremely hard ground affected shot flight during practice around 10 a.m. She emphasized the two separate competitions and stressed the importance of integrity in the stroke play event, which awards CME points. To be fair to all participants, the tournament was concluded after 54 holes.