Female LPGA golfer teeing off at the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Lake Nona, Florida.
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LPGA opens 2026 season with Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

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The Ladies Professional Golf Association begins its 2026 season this week with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona in Florida. Golf Channel's Beth Ann Nichols discussed the season opener and other LPGA news on 'Golf Today.' This event marks the return to action for the tour.

The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions serves as the lid-lifter for the LPGA's 2026 campaign, taking place at Lake Nona in Florida. According to Golf Channel coverage, the tournament highlights the start of the professional women's golf season. Beth Ann Nichols, a contributor to the network, joined the 'Golf Today' program to provide insights into the event and broader LPGA developments.

LPGA.com has published preview articles, including 'Five Things to Know About the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions' by Amy Rogers, an award-winning journalist with over 15 years covering the tour for outlets like Golf Channel and BBC. Another piece, 'How to Watch the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions' by Jennifer Meyer, LPGA's Manager of Digital Operations, offers guidance on viewing options. These resources underscore the anticipation surrounding the tournament, though specific details on participants or schedules remain forthcoming in the provided sources.

As the season opener, the event at Lake Nona sets the tone for the year, drawing attention from fans and media alike.

What people are saying

X users express excitement for the LPGA 2026 season opener, the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona. Betting enthusiasts favor longshots such as Brooke Henderson (20-1) and Lauren Coughlin (55-1). Journalists and media accounts preview the event, highlighting celebrity divisions and top players like world No. 1 Jin Young Ko. Reactions are predominantly positive and anticipatory with no notable negative sentiments.

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Nasa Hataoka leads LPGA Tournament of Champions after first-round 66, one shot ahead of Jeeno Thitikul and Lottie Woad.
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Nasa Hataoka leads LPGA Tournament of Champions after first round

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Japan's Nasa Hataoka shot a six-under-par 66 to take the lead after the opening round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. She holds a one-shot advantage over a group including world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and England's Lottie Woad. Nelly Korda sits two strokes back at four under par.

The 2026 LPGA Tour season is set to begin with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions from January 29 to February 1 at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida. However, three recent major champions—Minjee Lee, Grace Kim, and Hannah Green—have opted out of the event. Their absences highlight travel challenges for Australian players ahead of the Asian swing.

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World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul will make her debut at the LPGA's season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, joined by No. 2 Nelly Korda and past champion Lydia Ko. The field includes 39 players who won on tour in the past two seasons, marking a larger group than in recent years due to a record 29 winners in 2025. Several top-ranked players, including three Australians, will skip the event to begin their seasons in Asia.

LIV Golf has confirmed its return to the New York market with an event at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in August 2026. The tournament marks the league's third visit to the venue and features a field of top players including 13 major champions. Tickets go on sale January 27.

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World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler begins his 2026 campaign at The American Express in La Quinta, California, where he enters as the clear favorite amid a strong field. The tournament, running January 22-25 across three courses, features a $9.2 million purse and players aiming to make early statements. Betting models highlight value in props like Patrick Cantlay for a top-10 finish and Ludvig Åberg as top European.

Phil Mickelson, captain of HyFlyers GC, announced he will skip the first two events of the 2026 LIV Golf season due to a family health issue. The 55-year-old golfer shared the news on social media, expressing his intent to rejoin his team soon. Ollie Schneiderjans will replace him for the opening event in Riyadh.

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The PGA Tour is partnering with ESPN and DraftKings to launch an expanded PGA Tour Live Betcast for the 2026 season, offering more than 400 hours of betting-focused streaming across 12 marquee events. The coverage begins this week at the WM Phoenix Open, providing bettors with real-time odds and analysis from the first shot to the final putt. This initiative builds on last year's debut, aiming to enhance fan engagement through immersive betting experiences.

 

 

 

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