LPGA Shortens Opener Due to Cold; Nelly Korda Wins
Nelly Korda emerged victorious at the LPGA’s season opener, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, despite the cancellation of the final round due to severe cold. The LPGA called off the concluding round, resulting in Korda securing a three-shot win with a total score of 13 under par, bolstered by an impressive 8-under 64 on Saturday.
Conditions Lead to Final Round Cancellation
The tournament faced inclement weather as frigid temperatures forced the LPGA to halt play on Sunday morning. Sub-freezing conditions, with wind chill factors dropping to the low teens, rendered the course unplayable. Ricki Lasky, the LPGA’s chief tour business and operations officer, noted that players encountered “really hard” ground, affecting their shots during warm-ups.
- Temperature during final round: Low teens
- Winning score: Nelly Korda at 13 under par
- Final round cancellation time: 12:40 p.m. ET on Sunday
Korda’s Performance
Korda credited her Saturday performance as one of the best rounds of her career, describing the conditions as distinct from those earlier in the tournament. “I saved the best for last,” Korda remarked following her round that outperformed the field average by over nine strokes. This victory marked Korda’s first LPGA title since November 2024, increasing her career total to 16 wins.
Impact on the Field
Eight players, including Amy Yang, were still completing their third rounds when play was suspended. Yang managed to finish strong, parring her final two holes, but expressed disappointment over the cancellation. “I wish I played the final round,” she stated, hoping for a better timeline. Other competitors, such as Brooke Henderson and Lydia Ko, also voiced their frustrations over the lost opportunity to compete further.
Celebrity Division Results
The celebrity division continued, albeit with a shortened final round of nine holes. Mardy Fish won this division, emphasizing that the greens felt like concrete underfoot. The LPGA and celebrity tournament competitors had differing views on the playability of the course.
- Celebrity winner: Mardy Fish
- Fish’s score: Even-par 36
- Runner-up: Jack Wagner with 34
Looking Ahead
The LPGA’s next event is scheduled for February 19-22 in Pattaya, Thailand. Korda will not participate in this trip and plans to return for the Fortinet Founder Cup in March. This absence extends her streak to 19 consecutive LPGA events missed in Asia due to various reasons.
The LPGA’s decision to prioritize player safety and fair competition was echoed by multiple players. Korda reflected on the situation, acknowledging the challenges posed by the weather. “I think the LPGA is always going to do what’s best for the players,” she concluded.
