Nelly Korda opened the 2026 season with a win, snapping a drought that had lasted more than a year, but the bigger takeaway from Lake Nona lay elsewhere.

From there, the focus moved to the third round of the Tournament. Former world No. 1 Nelly Korda took control at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, posting an 8-under 64 to move into the lead. 

Play, however, was suspended when wind conditions made the course unplayable. While an earlier start to the final round appeared to be the logical response, the LPGA Tour opted for a different plan.

The LPGA clarified why the event was shortened to 54 holes. Officials said the decision came after weather conditions changed and was made while working with Hilton Grand Vacations, Lake Nona, partners, and players.

The goal, they explained, was to complete 72 holes without affecting competitive standards

Meanwhile, the grounds crew continued course preparation throughout the delay. Still, cold temperatures, wind, shaded areas, and hardened ground made it harder to maintain consistent playing conditions. 

After spending time on the course and hearing player concerns, officials said they acted based on the information available.

At the time celebrities began their round, the LPGA believed players would finish the third round and move into the fourth.

Meanwhile, conditions around the practice area told their own story. When players went out to prepare for an expected start, the ground was frozen, making movement difficult. 

Mardy Fish compared the surface to concrete, while Lake Nona resident Lydia Ko noted that dropped balls bounced on impact. In another moment, a caddie poured water onto a green and saw it freeze almost immediately.

By the time Lake Nona resident Annika Sorenstam completed nine holes on the back side, she said the conditions were playable.

Beth Ann Nichols shared the update after speaking with Annika Sorenstam following her round, noting that celebrities had been limited to nine holes for the final round. 

According to Nichols, Annika said it’s “very playable” and added that she doesn’t understand why LPGA players weren’t on the course.

Even with those remarks circulating, the focus ultimately returned to the leaderboard, where Nelly Korda secured the title as the event was shortened, sealing the win.

What Nelly Korda Thinks About the 54-Hole Decision

Addressing the decision afterward, Nelly Korda explained that her preparation did not change until the format was officially altered. 

Korda said, “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,” adding, “But then I still had the mindset… You know, there has 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.”

Yet, regardless of the circumstances, Korda emerged as the season’s first winner and expressed support for the LPGA’s call. 

She explained that the stakes for tour players differ from those for celebrities and said the decision was made with player welfare in mind. 

Korda added that once the choice was made, the only option for players was to prepare based on the information they were given.

Was the 54-hole call the right way to protect fairness, or should the LPGA have pushed to complete all 72?

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das