LPGA Commissioner Apologizes for Shortened Tournament of Champions

Kessler admits communication and decision-making could have been better amid frigid conditions

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:47am

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LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler apologized to players for how the season-opening Tournament of Champions was cut short over the weekend in Orlando due to frigid temperatures. The event was shortened to 54 holes, with Nelly Korda declared the winner after leading through three rounds. Kessler acknowledged the decision to limit the event was confusing and disappointing to fans, and said the LPGA will work to improve communication and decision-making for similar situations in the future.

Why it matters

The LPGA's handling of the weather-shortened tournament raised questions about the tour's contingency planning and communication with players and fans. As a high-profile season opener, the event's abrupt conclusion highlighted the need for the LPGA to have clearer policies in place for managing disruptions to tournament play.

The details

With overnight low temperatures hardening the course at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, the LPGA allowed the event's pro-am to continue on Sunday but canceled the fourth and final round of the pro tournament. Only eight players teed off before the round was called off, leaving Nelly Korda as the winner after 54 holes. Kessler said he made the decision to limit the event out of concern for player safety, but acknowledged there were other ways the situation could have been managed.

  • The Tournament of Champions was the LPGA's season-opening event, held from January 26-29, 2026.
  • The fourth and final round was scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2026 but was canceled due to the cold weather.

The players

Craig Kessler

The commissioner of the LPGA Tour.

Nelly Korda

The winner of the shortened 54-hole Tournament of Champions after leading through three rounds.

Amy Yang

The runner-up in the Tournament of Champions, finishing three strokes behind Korda.

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What they’re saying

“I wish I played final round, you know, give myself a little chance. But it was playing very cold out there. I got here early warming up for 10:00 a.m. resume, and the greens weren't playable ... so, yeah, I could understand that we couldn't compete for the fourth round.”

— Amy Yang

“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 judgement call. With the benefit of hindsight, there were clearly other ways we should have managed the situation.”

— Craig Kessler, LPGA Commissioner

What’s next

Kessler said the LPGA plans to establish clearer principles for play decisions in challenging situations, including strengthening weekly contingency planning, and to communicate faster and more clearly with players and fans in the future.

The takeaway

The LPGA's handling of the weather-shortened Tournament of Champions highlighted the need for the tour to have more robust policies and communication strategies in place to manage disruptions to tournament play. As a high-profile season opener, the event's abrupt conclusion underscored the importance of the LPGA being prepared to make difficult decisions while prioritizing player safety and the fan experience.