Nelly Korda's unconventional 16th LPGA Tour victory triggered shockwaves through the golf community, and golf experts are still trying to figure out the LPGA Tour's decision.

On February 2, Korda won the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions without even hitting a shot, primarily because of her stellar third-round 64. Following her victory, golf enthusiast Dan Rapaport and Golfweek journalist Beth Ann Nichols posed multiple questions about the LPGA Tour's decision to declare her the winner.

According to Nichols, the tour determined that the course did not meet what it described as an “optimal competitive environment.” However, Nichols noted that this explanation was not clearly communicated during the day. No senior LPGA official or rules representative addressed the media to define what that standard meant.

The duo also questioned the LPGA’s decision to shorten its only U.S. event before March to 54 holes on February 2. Rapaport highlighted why LPGA players remained off the course while celebrity participants continued playing and why extending the tournament to Monday was not presented as an option.

Sunday at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions unfolded with uncertainty. Questions lingered throughout the day about whether play would resume and if the broadcast schedule could be met.

That uncertainty stemmed from conditions the day before, which heavily influenced the final outcome. On Saturday, strong winds affected play across the course.

Nelly Korda moved ahead of the field on Saturday with an 8-under 64. As conditions worsened for later groups, she completed her round and held a three-shot lead, with play continuing amid challenging weather.

But while the LPGA Tour brass declared Korda as the winner without full play, the 27-year-old didn't have a problem with continuing.

Nelly Korda’s View on the LPGA Format Change

Addressing the LPGA Tour's decision following her win, Korda said her preparation remained unchanged until the format was officially adjusted.

"I was fully preparing that I was going to go out and play 18 until I saw that e-mail and until I saw that it was going back to 54," Korda said.

“But then I still had the mindset. You know, there have been some crazy things happen in the game of golf or in sports in general. So still preparing for maybe playing a playoff, but I was still 100% trying to dial in mentally.”

She also noted that the considerations for tour professionals differ from those for celebrity participants and said the ruling was made with player welfare in mind.

So, do you think Korda could have bagged the top spot even if the LPGA Tour moved the contest from 72 holes to 54?

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Souvik Roy