For the first time in 14 months, Nelly Korda has added to her LPGA trophy collection following the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
The bitter cold conditions that most of America has been experiencing did not spare Central Florida’s subtropics, prompting tournament officials to cancel the final round at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club.
When play was halted late Saturday afternoon because of unsuitable conditions, Korda was warming up in the clubhouse after shooting an 8-under-par 64, roughly nine strokes better than the field average.
“I think that’s one of my best rounds that I’ve ever played in my entire life,” said Korda, who won seven times two years ago, not once in 2025, and captured this event in freezing temperatures with winds gusting to 40 mph.
“To come out on top just feels amazing. To do that in front of my family and friends, fiancée for the first time, was really special.”
The LPGA was forced to trim the competition to 54 holes, with Amy Yang three shots back and the rest of those in contention trying to catch Korda.
“I was fully mentally preparing for going out and playing 18, battling for the win,” added the 27-year-old, now a 16-time LPGA winner. “I knew once the girls were going to go out and finish the third round, I just wanted to get out and start my routine, no matter what happened.”
Pros, famous playing partners, and clearly dedicated spectators gathered here in frigid Orlando, many wearing ski caps and dressed more like they were heading to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
Former tennis star Mardy Fish won the celebrity division for the third time, finishing atop the leaderboard with 126 points in the modified Stableford competition.
“I’ve never played where we’ve had to stop for frost. I just don’t play that day if it gets like that,” said Fish, who actually called a friend in Minnesota for cold-weather advice. “He said hands are number one; core is number two. Got to keep your body warm. So, I just focused on my hands. I’ve got heaters, I’ve got hand warmers literally in all my pockets.”
44-year-old Fish now has the distinction of winning alongside both Korda sisters. Five years ago, he was the top in the celebrity bracket when he won this tournament, which was then played at the nearby Walt Disney World Resort area’s Tranquilo Golf Club.
While they can’t control the weather, Hilton Grand Vacations can definitely influence the future of this event, which features winners from the past two LPGA seasons. Over the weekend, CEO Mark Wang announced an extension of their title sponsorship through 2028.
“The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions embodies our broader commitment to delivering exceptional, one-of-a-kind experiences,” Wang said. “Our partnership with the LPGA is an ideal strategic fit for our business, allowing us to showcase world-class hospitality while supporting the growth of women’s golf. Our continued investment — from purse enhancements to expanded on-site and broadcast engagement — reflects how deeply this event resonates with our owners, members and guests.”
HGV is an independent, publicly traded company that licenses the Hilton brand and affiliation to sell timeshare and vacation ownership.
“We’re equally proud to extend our partnership with Lake Nona Golf & Country Club for the next two years. Its world-class course has become a true home for this tournament,” Wang added.
