The LPGA’s 2026 season got off to a strange start and new commissioner Craig Kessler said he regrets the way it has developed.
On Sunday, the LPGA shortened the season-opening Tournament of Champions to 54 holes due to freezing temperatures in Orlando. The decision and the communication that followed attracted criticism. The LPGA initially postponed the start of the final round at Lake Nona, then turned away the celebrities participating in the pro-am before eventually reducing the tournament to 54 holes. Nelly Korda, number 2 in the world, won the tournament on Sunday without hitting a single shot.
That decision left many fans and some players scratching their heads.
Memo from LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler
On Tuesday, Kessler sent a memo to players apologizing for the way the decision was made and communicated to Lake Nona. That memo was obtained by GOLF and is below in its entirety.
LPGA athletes,
When I joined the LPGA last July, I said that trust would be our top priority – with all of you, partners, fans, staff and media. That confidence was tested this weekend during the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
I made the decision to limit the event to 54 holes because I was concerned that our athletes could be injured given the way record cold overnight temperatures were hardening the course. Although the decision was difficult and contrary to previous statements we shared, I made a judgment. In retrospect, there were clearly other ways we should have handled the situation.
I recognize that this decision, and others we made in real time, were confusing and disappointing for our fans. And our communication around the decision was not clear or current enough. Your frustration is justified – I realize that, and I’m sorry. We are already taking steps to improve the following:
- Establishing clearer principles for playing decisions in challenging situations, including strengthening weekly contingency planning
- Communicate faster, clearer and with better real-time information.
Our thanks go to the staff at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, who did a great job ensuring the course was properly prepared, and our partners at Hilton Grand Vacations, who went above and beyond 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 continue to earn your trust.
With respect,
Craig Kessler, LPGA Commissioner
Confusion and criticism
On Sunday, as the LPGA prepared to shorten its season opener, Annika Sorenstam stood on the course like a celebrity.
Sorenstam, an LPGA legend, couldn’t understand why the pros weren’t taking it up.
“I don’t know why they’re not playing,” Sorenstam told Golf weekby Beth Ann Nichols. “There are pitch marks. I mean, I hit some sharp shots today and the ball even stopped. I’m surprised. It’s hard, it’s cold, but it’s as fair as anything. I told JR we can keep going.”
Lydia Ko, a resident of Lake Nona, was “gutted” that the tournament would not end.
The fact that the LPGA deemed the course playable by the famous amateurs, but not by the professionals, only added to the confusion. An official told Nichols that the celebrities were playing in an “exhibition,” even though the pro-am had its own purse.
An LPGA official said at the time that the decision was made due to the lack of an “optimal competitive environment.” When under pressure from Golf Channel’s Amy Rogersthe official could not provide details on how the cold affected the course. With the LPGA in Thailand off until February 19, a Monday finish seemed a worthy path to take with Korda, the tour’s biggest star, leading after a sublime Saturday 64.
A Korda win should have been a dream start to the LPGA season. But instead, a tough decision and confusing communication turned it into a nightmare. One Kessler knows the LPGA will have to build up.
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