LPGA Cancels Season Opener’s Final Round Due to Freezing Temperatures

The LPGA’s season opener faced an unexpected setback due to extreme weather conditions. The final round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, hosted in Orlando, was canceled because of freezing temperatures on Sunday. This decision significantly impacted the tournament, which initially showcased 16 of the top 25 players globally.

Weather Disrupts Tournament

On the final day, weather conditions were severe, with morning lows recorded in the mid-20s and gusting winds up to 15 miles per hour. Despite Nelly Korda leading with a third-round score of 64, eight players did not complete their rounds on Saturday due to these challenging circumstances.

Players’ Conditions

• Eight players finished their rounds on Sunday afternoon.
• Nelly Korda claimed her 16th LPGA title, marking her first victory since November 2024.

With temperatures only slightly above freezing, officials faced tough decisions regarding the final round. The tournament attempts to maintain player safety and comfort while ensuring fair competition.

Adjustments to Tournament Structure

The LPGA announced the reduction of the season opener to a 54-hole event. This decision was made after assessing the ongoing weather forecast, which predicted similar conditions for Monday.

• “The weather and temperature for tomorrow is forecasted to be the same as this morning,” stated the LPGA.
• Plans were in place to attempt completing 72 holes, but conditions made this impossible.

Perspectives on the Cancellation

Annika Sorenstam, a notable figure in women’s golf, expressed her disagreement with the cancellation during an interview. She noted that the course conditions were playable for the celebrity competition, which continued with a reduced field. Sorenstam’s experience led her to question why the professional tournament could not proceed.

LPGA’s chief business and operations officer, Ricki Lasky, further explained the decision during a broadcast. She highlighted that the ground conditions shifted the nature of shots and called for significant changes to ensure the tournament maintained its championship quality.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions will now have a new format that accommodates unpredictable weather patterns. The LPGA continues to prioritize player safety while seeking to provide fair competition for both professional players and celebrity participants. This incident sets a precedent for how future tournaments may be managed in similar weather conditions.