Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits, claiming her 16th tour victory.
The LPGA Tour’s 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 prompted tournament officials to cancel the final round.
Two events ran concurrently on the course: the LPGA season opener in a 72-hole stroke play format and a tournament featuring top qualifying amateurs from the week’s pro-am competition. Each professional player was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, who rotated each round, with a Modified Stableford scoring system applied to the amateurs and celebrities.
Nelly Korda Seizes Chaos to Secure 16th LPGA Title
Despite a strong 64 on Saturday putting her three shots ahead atop the leaderboard, the organization of the tournament devolved into chaos as eight players had to suspend their third round Saturday due to chilling cold and strong winds. Those players only completed their third round Sunday afternoon. Ultimately, Korda claimed her 16th LPGA Tour title, with Amy Yang finishing second, three strokes behind, and Brooke Henderson in third.
The decision to end the LPGA tournament early on Sunday was delayed significantly, drawing criticism over the handling and communication. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C and wind gusts up to 24 km/h, causing multiple delays to the final round start as officials waited for better conditions. When the temperature only rose to 4°C, the decision was made to not continue the LPGA event, even though warmer weather was forecasted for Monday.
The LPGA explained the tournament was unplayable because the cold combined with strong winds caused balls to roll unpredictably on the greens, while the amateur tournament commenced a nine-hole round at 10 a.m.
Confusion Over Different Treatment of Competitions
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols of Golfweek noted the confusion as journalists waited from 10 a.m. for updates on why amateurs could play more than nine holes while LPGA players awaited decisions in the clubhouse. After four hours, no clear information was provided about continuing the tournament.
After discussions involving rules officials, tournament staff, partners, and course maintenance, it was announced the tournament would be shortened to 54 holes due to weather, with forecasts suggesting a 72-hole conclusion was impossible.
Contradictory Statements on Conditions
Not all involved agreed with the cancellation. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, participating in the amateur event, told Golfweek she found the course playable. \”I don’t understand why they aren’t playing,\” she said. \”There are pitch marks everywhere. I made some really good shots today and the ball even stayed put. I’m surprised. It’s difficult and cold, but it’s as fair as anything.\” Former tennis pro and amateur participant Mardy Fish described the putting green as feeling like \”concrete\” Sunday morning.
LPGA Chief Business and Operations Officer Ricky Lasky stated the ground was extremely hard and affected shot flight during