Nelly Korda made headlines by winning the LPGA’s season opener without playing a single shot on Sunday. The last round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions was canceled due to severely cold weather. Korda finished strong after an impressive 8-under 64 on Saturday, securing a three-shot victory over Amy Yang. This win marks her first LPGA title since November 2024.
Korda reflected on her performance, calling the Saturday round one of her best. “I was very happy with my game,” she said, noting the different conditions she faced over the tournament days.
On Saturday, the LPGA paused play during the third round because of high winds. Just before the final round, temperatures plummeted, dropping to feel like the low teens. Ricki Lasky, the LPGA’s chief operations officer, noted that players reported extremely hard ground during practice, affecting their shots. “The balls were releasing when they shouldn’t have been,” she explained.
While the pros faced cancellation, celebrities like Mardy Fish continued to play in a shortened format, leading to mixed reactions. Fish described the practice greens as feeling “like concrete,” but completed nine holes without complaint. Annika Sorenstam, another celebrity player, was surprised by the decision to cancel the final round, emphasizing that the greens were playable.
The LPGA officially announced the cancellation, citing that conditions weren’t optimal for competition. Despite players like Yang expressing disappointment, the organization prioritized safety and fairness. Many players wished they could have played, especially with warmer temperatures projected for the next day.
Interestingly, this cancellation sparked social media conversations about the balance between player safety and the enjoyment of the game. Players across the league shared their thoughts, showing a mix of understanding and frustration regarding the decision.
The next LPGA event is not until mid-February in Pattaya, Thailand. Korda has decided to sit out upcoming Asian tournaments, which raises questions about her future in this competitive stretch.
Ultimately, Korda’s win and the tournament’s disruption highlight the unpredictable nature of sports, especially in challenging weather. The LPGA must navigate player safety while maintaining the integrity of the game.
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