Nelly Korda Claims LPGA Season Opener Victory After Weather Halts Final Round
Nelly Korda began the new LPGA season on a triumphant note, securing victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions despite never having the opportunity to play the final round. Unusually frigid weather in Orlando forced tournament officials to cancel Sunday's play, transforming the season opener into a 54-hole event. With this decisive call, Korda was officially declared the winner at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, marking a remarkable start to her campaign.
Challenging Conditions and Tournament Cancellation
The event boasted a formidable field, featuring 16 of the world's top 25 players in action. However, Florida experienced rare winter conditions that disrupted the competition. Temperatures plummeted into the mid-20s, accompanied by strong winds that rendered the course both unsafe and unfair for competitive play. Officials repeatedly delayed the final round start time, hoping for an improvement in weather. When temperatures barely climbed to 40 degrees, the tour ultimately determined it was impossible to complete the tournament.
Nelly Korda had already established a commanding position with her outstanding performance. Her spectacular third-round score of 64 gave her a three-shot lead, and when weather conditions halted play, no competitor could challenge her advantage.
Korda's Dominant Performance and Career Milestone
Korda maintained consistency throughout the week before delivering an explosive performance on Saturday. She commenced the tournament with a solid 68, followed by a challenging 71 amidst cold and windy conditions. Then came the round that decisively shifted the momentum. She recorded early birdies, added an eagle, and continued to aggressively target pins even as temperatures dropped. She concluded with a 64, one of the finest rounds of her professional career, reaching an impressive 13-under-par.
When eight players completed their delayed third rounds on Sunday, Korda remained firmly in the lead. This confirmation secured her 16th LPGA Tour victory and her first since November 2024. Amy Yang finished in second place, three shots behind, while Brooke Henderson claimed third position.
Official Explanation and Player Reactions
The LPGA later provided a detailed explanation for the cancellation of play. Ricki Lasky clarified that the frozen ground significantly altered how golf balls reacted upon landing. Shots were bouncing and rolling in unpredictable ways that players could not control, creating an unfair environment for stroke play. Lasky also noted that the celebrity event followed a different format, which allowed it to proceed under the challenging conditions.
Not all participants agreed with the decision. Annika Sorenstam expressed to Golfweek that she believed the course remained playable. Nevertheless, officials stood by their call, emphasizing that fairness for the entire field was their paramount concern.
Korda's Perspective on the Unconventional Victory
Nelly Korda accepted this unusual victory with characteristic composure and honesty. She reflected that the first event of the season always presents a significant test and added, "Overall, I was very happy with my game. I saved my best for last." Her remarks underscore both her professional maturity and satisfaction with her performance under demanding circumstances.
