LPGA Tour Apologizes for Abrupt 54-Hole Finish at Lake Nona

New commissioner Craig Kessler admits mistakes in managing weather delays at season-opening event.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:15pm

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The LPGA Tour's season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf Club in Orlando, Florida was cut short to 54 holes due to inclement weather, prompting an apology from new commissioner Craig Kessler. Kessler acknowledged the decision to limit the event was not handled well, and pledged to improve communication and contingency planning for future weather-impacted tournaments.

Why it matters

The abrupt end to the LPGA's first event under Kessler's leadership has raised concerns about the new commissioner's decision-making and the tour's ability to properly manage weather delays. With player-tour relationships already strained, this incident threatens to further damage trust between the LPGA and its athletes.

The details

High winds on Saturday led to a delay, and after the third round finished on Sunday morning, the LPGA announced the tournament would end after 54 holes due to cold temperatures that had hardened the course. In a memo to players, Kessler said he made the decision out of concern for player safety, but admitted there were better ways to handle the situation.

  • The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions was held from January 30 to February 2, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
  • The third round was completed on Sunday, February 2, 2026.

The players

Craig Kessler

The new commissioner of the LPGA Tour, appointed ahead of the 2026 season.

Nelly Korda

The winner of the 54-hole tournament, earning her first LPGA Tour victory.

Mollie Marcoux Samaan

The previous LPGA Tour commissioner, whose tenure was described as 'tumultuous' with player-tour relationships declining.

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What they’re saying

“I made the decision to limit the event to 54 holes, worried that our athletes might be injured given the way record overnight low temperatures hardened the course. While the decision was a tough one and ran counter to prior statements we shared, I made a judgment call. With the benefit of hindsight, there were clearly other ways we should have managed the situation.”

— Craig Kessler, LPGA Tour Commissioner (Golf.com)

What’s next

The LPGA Tour heads to Asia for a three-event swing starting on February 19, with their next tournament in North America scheduled for March 19 in California. This gives the tour time to address the issues from the Lake Nona event and improve communication and planning for weather-related delays.

The takeaway

Kessler's handling of the weather delays at the LPGA's season opener has raised concerns about his leadership and the tour's ability to effectively manage challenging situations. With player-tour relationships already strained, this incident threatens to further erode trust, underscoring the need for the LPGA to strengthen its contingency planning and communication protocols to avoid similar issues in the future.