Orlando, Fla. — Nelly Korda secured her first victory in 14 months at the LPGA’s season-opening Tournament of Champions, which was cut to 54 holes due to harsh weather. High winds and freezing temperatures made Lake Nona unsuitable for play, prompting officials to cancel the final round.
Korda’s remarkable performance on Saturday, where she shot an impressive 8-under 64, put her at the top with a total score of 13-under 203. This round stood out as one of her best ever, especially given the tough conditions. She described it as among her top three rounds, a testament to her skill.
The windy conditions posed challenges, especially on the final two holes, where the wind gusts reached nearly 40 mph. Officials made the decision to wrap up the tournament rather than risk player safety as temperatures continued to drop.
Amy Yang was in second place, needing a strong finish to catch up but ultimately making par on her last two holes for a round of 69. Brooke Henderson followed her in third after posting a 66.
This unusual cold snap is rare for Orlando, where rain usually poses the only weather-related challenges. Ricki Lasky, the LPGA’s chief business and operations officer, noted that they did everything they could to complete the tournament, but player safety had to take priority.
Interestingly, the celebrity portion of the event went ahead with a slight adjustment, played over nine holes instead of the usual format. Former tennis player Mardy Fish triumphed in that segment.
Korda plans to take a break from competition, opting out of the upcoming Asia swing. Her win marks her 16th career title, a highlight that showcases her resilience and talent.
It’s fascinating to see how weather impacts sports. Recent data shows that extreme weather has increasingly disrupted professional events across various sports, revealing the need for adaptability on and off the field. As players face unpredictable conditions, their mental and physical preparation becomes as crucial as their skill.
Source link
