Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits and celebrates her 16th tour victory.
The season-opening event of the LPGA Tour, 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 led the 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 a competition featuring the top qualified amateurs from the pro-am played earlier in the week. Each pro was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, with the celebrities rotating every round. A modified Stableford system applied to celebrities and amateurs.
Nelly Korda Navigates Chaos to Secure 16th LPGA Title
Nelly Korda seized the lead on Saturday with a strong 64 and a three-shot advantage. However, the tournament’s organization deteriorated amid freezing temperatures and strong winds, forcing eight players to suspend their third round early Saturday. These players only completed their rounds Sunday afternoon. Ultimately, Korda claimed her 16th LPGA Tour title, with Amy Yang three shots behind in second and Brooke Henderson third.
The decision to shorten the LPGA event awaited for hours on Sunday, drawing sharp criticism over communication and procedure. The final day started with lows around -4°C and winds up to 24 km/h, causing multiple delays in starting the final round to find playable conditions. When temperatures only rose to 4°C, officials concluded the tournament could not continue, despite forecasts for warmer weather Monday.
The LPGA stated that the cold combined with strong winds made the balls roll uncontrollably on the greens. In contrast, the amateur event started at 10 AM with a nine-hole round.
Controversy Over Different Treatment of Players
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek highlighted the situation on social media. Journalists waited in the press room from 10 AM without updates on why amateurs played more than nine holes while LPGA players waited for a final decision. Even after four hours, no new information emerged about resuming or concluding the tournament.
The LPGA officially announced a reduction to a 54-hole event, citing discussions with officials, staff, partners, and course maintenance. They also noted the weather forecast for Monday was similarly unfavorable to complete 72 holes.
Disagreement Over Course Conditions
Despite the freezing weather, some disagreed with the call. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, participating in the amateur event, said she found the course playable. \”I don’t understand why play was stopped,\” Sörenstam said. \”There were pitch marks everywhere. I made some great shots today, and the ball actually stayed put. It’s cold and tough, but as fair as it gets.\” Former tennis