Freezing temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits, celebrating her 16th tour victory.
The LPGA Tour season-opening event, the 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.
Two competitions ran concurrently on the course. The LPGA season opener was conducted in a 72-hole stroke-play format, alongside a tournament featuring the top qualifying amateurs from the week’s Pro-Am. Each pro player was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated every round. The celebrities and amateurs competed using a Modified Stableford system.
Nelly Korda Capitalizes on Chaos to Win 16th LPGA Title
Although Nelly Korda took the lead with a strong 64 on Saturday, holding a three-shot advantage, the tournament’s organization devolved into chaos according to on-site observers. Eight players had to suspend their third round early due to dropping temperatures and strong winds and could only complete it by Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately secured her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second, three shots behind, followed by Brooke Henderson in third place.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament early on Sunday was delayed, drawing significant criticism over the process and communication. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h, causing multiple delays to the start of the final round as officials attempted to wait for optimal conditions. When temperatures rose only to 4°C, it was deemed impossible to continue – despite forecasts for warmer weather on Monday.
The LPGA stated that the combination of cold and wind made the course unplayable as balls rolled uncontrollably over the greens. Meanwhile, the amateur competition started a nine-hole round at 10 a.m.
Confusion Over Different Treatment of Players
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek was on site and commented on social media about the unusual situation. Journalists had waited since 10 a.m. for explanations as to why amateurs were allowed to play more than nine holes while LPGA pros waited for a decision. Even after four hours there was no official update on continuation plans.
The LPGA later announced that after consultations among officials and course staff, the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes due to the forecast predicting continued poor conditions that would prevent completing the full 72 holes.
Contradictory Statements About Course Conditions
Not everyone agreed with the decision to stop play. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, competing in the amateur event, told Golfweek she found the course playable despite the cold. “I don’t understand why there is no play,” she said. “There are pitch marks everywhere. I made some really good shots today and the ball actually stayed on the green. I’m surprised. It’s tough, it’s cold, but it’s about as fair as it gets.”
Former tennis player and amateur Mardy