LPGA Returns to LA Without Top Stars Korda, Thitikul

Scheduling conflicts keep two of the tour's biggest names from competing this week.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a women's golf tournament, with sharp planes of green fairways, white bunkers, and colorful player uniforms, conceptually representing the opportunities for lesser-known players in the absence of the tour's biggest names.The absence of top stars like Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul creates an opening for lesser-known players to shine at this week's LPGA event in Los Angeles.Los Angeles Today

The LPGA Tour is returning to Los Angeles this week, but two of the circuit's top players - Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul - will not be competing. Korda, the defending champion of the Chevron Championship, is unable to make the quick turnaround from last week's event in Texas. Thitikul, the current world #1, also has a scheduling conflict that will keep her out of the LA tournament.

Why it matters

The absence of Korda and Thitikul, two of the LPGA's biggest draws, is a notable storyline as the tour returns to the LA market. Their participation is typically a major draw for fans and media, so their absence this week could impact attendance and coverage of the event.

The details

Last year, Korda arrived in The Woodlands, Texas from Los Angeles on the Monday before the Chevron Championship and hosted the annual champions dinner that evening as the defending titleholder. However, the quick turnaround from Texas to California proved too difficult this year. Thitikul, who has held the world #1 ranking since late 2025, also has a scheduling conflict that will prevent her from playing in the LA tournament.

  • The LPGA Tour event in Los Angeles is taking place this week (April 13-16, 2026).
  • Nelly Korda won the Chevron Championship in 2025, which was held the previous week in Texas.

The players

Nelly Korda

An American professional golfer who has won multiple LPGA Tour events, including the 2025 Chevron Championship.

Jeeno Thitikul

A Thai professional golfer who has held the world #1 ranking in women's golf since late 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just going to stick to what I'm doing.”

— Nelly Korda

The takeaway

The absence of two of the LPGA's biggest stars, Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul, will be a notable storyline as the tour returns to the lucrative Los Angeles market this week. Their participation is typically a major draw, so their scheduling conflicts could impact fan interest and media coverage of the event.