Icy temperatures and organizational issues shortened the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda took advantage and secured 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 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 a competition featuring top amateurs qualified from a Pro-Am earlier in the week. Each pro was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated each round, competing under a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Capitalizes on Chaos to Win 16th LPGA Title
Nelly Korda surged to the top of the leaderboard on Saturday with a brilliant 64, holding a three-shot lead. However, the tournament’s organization deteriorated due to cold and strong winds causing eight players to halt their third round early Saturday, only completing it Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately claimed her 16th LPGA Tour title, with Amy Yang finishing three shots behind in second, followed by Brooke Henderson in third.
Decision making on the early termination of the tournament on Sunday was delayed, drawing substantial criticism over communication and procedures. The final day began with lows around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h, prompting multiple postponements to start, aiming for playable conditions. When temperatures barely reached 4°C, officials concluded the tournament could not continue despite warmer forecasts for Monday.
The LPGA cited unplayable conditions due to the cold combined with strong winds causing balls to uncontrollably roll off greens. Meanwhile, the amateur competition began a nine-hole round at 10 a.m.
Controversy Over Different Treatment of Players
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek, present on site, noted in social media that journalists waited in the press room since 10 a.m. for information on why amateurs were allowed to play more than nine holes while LPGA pros awaited a final decision. The LPGA remained silent for over four hours about continuation plans.
Following discussions among rules officials, staff, partners, and the grounds crew, the LPGA announced that the 2026 Tournament of Champions would be shortened to a 54-hole event, citing similar weather forecasts for the next day that would prevent a full 72-hole completion.
Conflicting Views on Course Conditions
Not all agreed with the decision amid freezing temperatures. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing in the amateur event, told Golfweek she considered the course playable despite the cold, stating she made some good shots and the ball often stayed put.
Former tennis pro and amateur participant Mardy Fish also remarked that the greens felt extremely hard, likening the surface to walking on concrete that morning.
LPGA Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky explained the final round’s cancellation, highlighting that the hard ground affected shot trajectories during practice at the scheduled 10 a.m. start. She emphasized the