Icy 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 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.
The event featured two simultaneous competitions on the course. The LPGA season opener was played in a 72-hole stroke play format, while a concurrent tournament involved the best qualified amateurs from the Pro-Am competition held earlier in the week. Each professional golfer was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated every round. The amateurs and celebrities competed under a Modified Stableford scoring system.
Nelly Korda Capitalizes on Chaos to Secure 16th LPGA Title
Despite a strong 64 on Saturday to take a three-shot lead atop the leaderboard, the tournament’s organizational execution deteriorated amidst the harsh conditions. Eight players had to halt their third round prematurely due to the onset of cold and strong winds, only finishing their rounds on Sunday afternoon. Ultimately, Korda secured her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second, three strokes behind, with Brooke Henderson placing third.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament early on Sunday took a considerable time and drew significant criticism regarding the event’s management and communication. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and wind gusts up to 24 km/h (15 mph). Officials delayed the final round start multiple times, hoping for better playing conditions. When temperatures only rose to 4°C (39°F), it was decided the tournament could not continue, despite forecasts for warmer weather on Monday.
According to the LPGA, the combination of low temperatures and strong winds rendered the course unplayable, as balls rolled uncontrollably on the greens. Meanwhile, the amateur event began at 10 a.m. as a nine-hole round.
Controversy Over Different Treatment of Players
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from the American newspaper Golfweek was present and commented on the situation via social media. She noted that journalists waited in the press room from 10 a.m. onwards for explanations on why amateurs were allowed to play more than nine holes while LPGA players waited in the clubhouse. Even after four hours, the LPGA provided no updates on the continuation or format of the tournament.
Following discussions among rules officials, tournament staff, partners, and course maintenance crews, the LPGA officially announced the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions 2026 would be shortened to a 54-hole event. The forecast for similar weather the following day meant a full 72-hole conclusion was deemed impossible.
Conflicting Statements on Playing Conditions
Not everyone agreed with the decision amid the freezing temperatures. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, participating in the amateur competition, told Golfweek she found the course playable, expressing surprise at the suspension. \”There are pitch marks everywhere. I made some really good shots today, and the ball even stayed on the green,\” she said