The LPGA’s Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions faced challenging weather conditions over the weekend, with temperatures dropping below freezing and strong winds affecting play. Nonetheless, Nelly Korda showcased her resilience, posting an impressive 8-under 64 in her third round, which took place on Saturday at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club. The Florida native demonstrated her prowess under tough circumstances, becoming the clubhouse leader at 13 under while some of her competitors were still on the course.
Though the day began with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, play was suspended at 4:18 p.m. ET due to unmanageable conditions on the 17th hole, prompting concern from LPGA officials who deemed the situation “uber unfair.” Korda and other players, including Canada’s Brooke Henderson, managed to complete their rounds before the suspension, while Amy Yang and Youmin Hwang had to wait until Sunday to finish their rounds, with Yang currently in solo second at 10 under.
The LPGA announced that play would resume at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday, with temperatures expected to remain in the low thirties. The day’s activities would include concluding the third round along with the final round, although Korda would not be grouped in the final threesome due to the unique scheduling adjustment.
Korda faced the elements head-on during her final stretch, describing her experience in “survival mode,” particularly on the challenging closing holes. She noted that the gusting winds made putting on the exposed 17th green exceptionally difficult, with her ball oscillating due to the conditions. The prevailing winds off the water coupled with frigid temperatures set the stage for a highly competitive and decisive Sunday in Orlando.
For fans eager to catch the action, live coverage is set to start at 1 p.m. ET on Peacock, continuing to highlight the determination and skills of these professional golfers as they navigate through unpredictable weather. As the tournament progresses, the resilience displayed by players like Korda offers an inspiring narrative within the world of competitive golf.