Icy temperatures and organizational issues cut short the LPGA season opener, with Nelly Korda claiming her 16th tour victory.
The season-opening LPGA Tour event, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, was scheduled to take place 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 ran concurrently on the course: the LPGA season opener in a 72-hole stroke play format, and an event featuring the top amateurs qualified from the Pro-Am competition played earlier in the week. Each pro was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, with the celebrities changing each round. A Modified Stableford system was used for the amateurs and celebrities.
Nelly Korda Capitalizes on Chaos to Win 16th LPGA Title
Despite taking the lead on Saturday with an impressive 64 and a three-stroke advantage, the organization of the remaining tournament rounds descended into chaos according to on-site observers. Eight players had to suspend their third round on Saturday due to plunging temperatures and strong winds, only finishing it 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.
The decision to shorten the LPGA tournament on Sunday was delayed extensively by officials, drawing significant criticism over communication and management. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h, prompting multiple postponements of the final round’s start as officials awaited better playing conditions. When temperatures only rose to 4°C, it was determined that play could not resume despite forecasts of warmer weather on Monday.
According to the LPGA, the cold combined with strong winds caused balls to roll uncontrollably on the greens, making play impossible. Nonetheless, the amateur competition started a nine-hole round at 10 a.m.
Confusion Over Different Treatment of Players
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols of Golfweek was present and commented on the situation via social media. Journalists waited since 10 a.m. to learn why amateurs were allowed to play more than nine holes while LPGA players remained waiting in the clubhouse for decisions regarding the final day. The LPGA provided no new information for over four hours on the tournament’s continuation.
After discussions among rules officials, staff, partners, and course team, a statement from the LPGA announced the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes due to the weather forecast predicting continued similar conditions that would prevent a full 72-hole completion.
Disagreement on Playing Conditions
Not all agreed with the decision despite the freezing temperatures. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, participating in the amateur competition, told Golfweek she found the course playable: \”I don’t understand