Icy temperatures and organizational issues shorten the LPGA season opener. Nelly Korda benefits and claims 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 led 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 tournament featuring the best qualified amateurs from the pro-am competition held earlier in the week. Each professional player was paired with two celebrities or amateurs, with celebrity partners changing each round. A Modified Stableford system was used for the celebrities and amateurs.
Nelly Korda Takes Advantage of Chaos to Win Her 16th LPGA Title
Despite Nelly Korda securing the lead with a strong 64 in the third round on Saturday and a three-shot lead, the organization of the tournament deteriorated, according to observers. Eight players had to stop their third round early on Saturday due to dropping temperatures and strong winds, and only finished on Sunday afternoon. Korda ultimately claimed her 16th LPGA Tour title. Amy Yang finished second, three shots behind, followed by Brooke Henderson in third place.
The decision to shorten the LPGA tournament on Sunday was delayed significantly by tournament officials, drawing criticism for their approach and communication. The final day began with temperatures around -4°C (25°F) and wind gusts up to 24 km/h (15 mph). Officials repeatedly delayed the start of the final round to wait for better playing conditions. When the temperature rose only to 4°C (39°F), the decision was made to end the tournament early, despite forecasts for warmer weather later Monday.
The LPGA stated the tournament was unplayable due to the combination of low temperatures and strong winds that caused balls to roll uncontrollably on the greens. Conversely, the amateur tournament started at 10 a.m. with a nine-hole round.
Controversy Over Different Treatment of Competitions
Golf journalist Beth Ann Nichols from Golfweek was on site and commented on social media that journalists waited since 10 a.m. in the press room for an explanation as to why amateurs could play more than nine holes while the LPGA players waited for a final decision. Even after four hours, no new information was provided by the LPGA regarding continuation plans.
After consultations among rules officials, tournament staff, partners, and the grounds crew, the LPGA officially announced the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions would be shortened to a 54-hole event, noting similar weather forecast for the next day that made completing 72 holes impossible.
Conflicting Statements About Playing Conditions
Despite the freezing temperatures, not everyone agreed with the decision. Swedish player Annika Sörenstam, participating in the amateur competition, told Golfweek she found the course playable and was surprised by the halt. Former tennis player and amateur participant Mardy Fish described the turf as feeling like concrete at