February 4th, 2026
By Australian Golf Digest
Below is a letter that LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler sent to players Tuesday, explaining what happened Sunday at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, where the final round was cancelled because of cold weather and Nelly Korda, the 54-hole leader, was deemed the winner.
Weather Sunday morning at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club was in the mid-20s with winds whipping at 15 miles per hour. It warmed up some over the day, enough for eight players to complete the third round, but the celebrities playing in the competition all played nine hole. The LPGA released two statements explaining the decision to cancel the final round, but it was met with skepticism, especially when playing Monday did not seem to be an option. It was cold again Monday moring in Orlando, but much warmer in the afternoon.
Golf Digest received a copy of Kessler’s letter from the LPGA, published in full below.
LPGA Athletes,
When I joined the LPGA last July, I said trust would be our highest priority — with all of you, partners, fans, staff and media. This weekend at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, that trust was tested.
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.
I recognize this decision, and others we made in real time, were confusing and disappointing to our fans. And our communication around the decision wasn’t clear or timely enough. Your frustration is valid — I own that, and I’m sorry. We are already taking steps to improve:
Establishing clearer principles for play decisions in challenging situations, including strengthening weekly contingency planning
Communicating faster, more clearly, and with better real-time information.
Our thanks to the staff at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club who did great work to make sure the course was prepared and our partners at Hilton Grand Vacations who pulled out all the stops to celebrate great golf with their guests.
This is a special Tour with an incredible future ahead. We won’t be perfect, but we will be accountable, learn quickly, and keep earning your trust.
Respectfully,Craig Kessler, LPGA Commissioner
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com