Freezing temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits, securing her 16th Tour victory.
The LPGA Tour’s season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, scheduled from January 29 to February 1 at the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida, faced unprecedented challenges as unusually cold and windy weather forced the cancellation of the final round.
Two tournaments ran concurrently on the course: the 72-hole stroke play LPGA season opener and a separate event featuring top amateurs from the week’s Pro-Am competition. Each professional was paired with two celebrities or amateurs who rotated each round, competing under a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Takes Advantage Amidst Chaos to Win 16th LPGA Title
On Saturday, Nelly Korda surged to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive 64, holding a three-stroke lead. However, chaotic organization marred the continuation of the event. Eight players had to halt their third rounds due to dropping temperatures and strong winds, resuming only Sunday afternoon. Ultimately, Korda clinched her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second, three strokes behind, followed by Brooke Henderson in third.
The delayed decision to end the tournament early drew significant criticism. The final day started with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h, prompting officials to repeatedly postpone the final round’s start in hopes of improved conditions. When temperatures rose only to 4°C, it was decided to cancel further play, despite warmer forecasts for Monday.
According to the LPGA, the combination of low temperatures and strong winds made play impractical, as balls rolled uncontrollably on the greens. Meanwhile, the amateur tournament began a nine-hole round at 10 a.m.
Confusion Over Differing Treatment Raises Eyebrows
Golfweek journalist Beth Ann Nichols, present on site, noted the confusing situation on social media. Journalists waited in the press room from 10 a.m. for explanations why amateurs were allowed more than nine holes while LPGA players remained in the clubhouse awaiting a final decision. Even after four hours, no clear updates regarding continuation emerged from the LPGA.
A formal statement later announced the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes. Officials cited similar weather forecasts for the following day, making a full 72-hole event impossible.
Contradictory Views on Playing Conditions
Not all involved agreed with the early termination. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing as an amateur, stated she found the course playable despite the cold. \”I don’t understand why they didn’t play,\” she said, noting good shots had held and the conditions were fair if challenging.
Former tennis pro and amateur participant Mardy Fish described the greens as feeling like concrete around 9 to 9:15 a.m.
LPGA’s Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky explained the ground’s hardness affected shots during warm-up, justifying the decision to keep stroke play professionals off the course while amateurs played a modified format. She emphasized the importance