Freezing temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda claims her 16th Tour victory.
The LPGA Tour 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 events ran simultaneously on the course: the LPGA season opener played as a 72-hole stroke play tournament and a competition for the top qualified amateurs from the Pro-Am held during the week. Each professional player was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated each round. The celebrities and amateurs competed using a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Takes Advantage of Chaos to Secure 16th LPGA Title
Despite Nelly Korda shooting a strong 64 on Saturday to lead by three strokes, the organization of the tournament’s continuation became chaotic, according to observers. Eight players had to suspend their third round on Saturday due to cold and strong winds, completing it only on Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately secured her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second, three strokes behind, followed by Brooke Henderson in third place.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament early on Sunday was delayed, drawing significant criticism about communication and procedure. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h, causing multiple delays in starting the final round while officials awaited better conditions. When temperatures only rose to 4°C, it was decided the tournament could not continue, even though warmer conditions were forecasted for Monday.
The LPGA stated the tournament was unplayable as low temperatures combined with strong winds caused balls to uncontrollably roll over the greens. The amateur competition started at 10 a.m. with a nine-hole round.
Confusion Over Different Treatment of Competitors
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek noted the situation on social media. Journalists waited hours for an explanation as amateurs played more than nine holes while LPGA players stayed in the clubhouse awaiting a decision with no clear communication even after four hours.
After discussions between officials, staff, partners, and course management, the LPGA officially announced the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes, citing similar weather forecasts for the following day made completing 72 holes impossible.
Contradictory Views on Course Conditions
Not all agreed with the decision. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, participating in the amateur competition, told Golfweek she found the course playable despite the cold. Former tennis pro and amateur Mardy Fish described the putting green as feeling like ‘concrete’ early Sunday morning.
LPGA’s Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky explained the firm decision, noting the hard ground affected shot trajectories during practice. She clarified the distinction between the two events and justified concluding the stroke play tournament early to maintain fairness and championship-level competition.
Criticism of LPGA Communication and Waning Excitement in Women’s Golf
Beth Ann Nichols criticized the