Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits and celebrates her 16th tour victory.
The LPGA Tour season-opening tournament, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, was scheduled to take place from January 29 to February 1 at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida. However, unusually cold and very windy weather in the Sunshine State forced the tournament officials to cancel the final round.
Two tournaments were held simultaneously on the course. The LPGA season opener was played in a 72-hole stroke play format, while a concurrent tournament featured the best qualified amateurs from the Pro-Am competition held during the week. Each professional was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, with celebrity partners changing each round. A Modified Stableford scoring system was used for the celebrities and amateurs.
Nelly Korda Capitalizes on Chaos to Secures Her 16th LPGA Title
Despite setting the pace with an impressive 64 on Saturday and holding a three-stroke lead, the tournament’s organization devolved into chaos according to observers. Eight players had to halt their third round on Saturday due to dropping temperatures and strong winds, completing it only on Sunday afternoon. This secured Korda her 16th LPGA Tour victory. 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 significantly, drawing criticism over handling and communication. The final day started with temperatures near -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h. Officials postponed the start of the final round multiple times, hoping for better conditions. When temperatures rose only to 4°C, they decided to cancel play, despite forecasts of warmer weather the following day.
The LPGA explained that the combination of low temperatures and strong winds caused balls to roll uncontrollably on the greens, making play impossible. Meanwhile, the amateur tournament began at 10 a.m. with a nine-hole round.
Confusion over Different Treatments
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols of Golfweek, present onsite, noted on social media that media had waited since 10 a.m. for information on why amateurs were allowed to play more than nine holes while LPGA players waited in the clubhouse. Even after four hours, there was no new information on the tournament’s resumption.
After discussions among officials and staff, the LPGA announced the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes, citing similar weather forecasts for Monday that would prevent completion of 72 holes.
Contradictory Statements About Conditions
Not all agreed with the decision. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing in the amateur event, told Golfweek she found the course playable. \”I don’t understand why they are not playing,\” she said. \”There are pitch marks everywhere. I made some really good shots today, and the ball even held its position. I’m surprised. It’s difficult, it’s cold, but it’s as fair as anything.\” Former tennis player and amateur Mardy Fish also remarked that the ground felt like concrete when warming up on Sunday morning.
LPGA Chief Business and Operations Officer