Nelly Korda's Asian absence sparks LPGA debate

Nelly Korda, the world No. 2 golfer, is absent from 19 LPGA events in Asia, prompting debate within the tour. Sponsors are demanding participation from top players amid $7.4 million in prize money on the line. The situation is raising questions about the LPGA's global strategy.

The absence of Nelly Korda from a 19-event Asian swing has ignited discussions in the LPGA community. According to reports, this decision is leaving sponsors frustrated, as they expect the presence of elite competitors to draw audiences and enhance event prestige.

With $7.4 million in total prize money available across these tournaments, the stakes are high for the tour's international expansion efforts. Korda's non-participation is seen by some as prioritizing home-based play, potentially undermining the LPGA's push to establish a stronger foothold in Asia.

The debate highlights tensions between individual player schedules and the collective goals of the tour. While Korda has not commented publicly on her reasons, the controversy underscores the challenges of balancing global commitments with personal and domestic priorities in professional golf.

Artigos relacionados

Nelly Korda celebrates her 16th LPGA win at the weather-shortened Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, holding the trophy on the green at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club.
Imagem gerada por IA

Nelly Korda claims victory in shortened LPGA tournament opener

Reportado por IA Imagem gerada por IA

Nelly Korda secured her 16th LPGA Tour win at the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, finishing at 13-under par after the event was controversially reduced to 54 holes due to weather. The 27-year-old's third-round 64 proved decisive, edging out Amy Yang by three shots at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club. The decision to end play early drew criticism from players amid improving conditions.

Nelly Korda claimed victory in the LPGA's season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, but the event was controversially reduced to 54 holes due to harsh weather in Orlando. The decision to end the tournament early drew criticism from players and observers, highlighting challenges in maintaining a full schedule. Korda, returning to the winner's circle after a winless 2025, secured the title without a final round.

Reportado por IA

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.

Rory McIlroy expressed disappointment over Jon Rahm's refusal to accept a conditional release offer from the DP World Tour, which could jeopardize his eligibility for the 2027 Ryder Cup. McIlroy described the deal as generous and emphasized that the tournament is bigger than any individual player. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the European tour and LIV Golf participants.

Reportado por IA

The PGA Tour is considering significant changes to its schedule, including more events in major US cities and a stronger start to the season. Executive director Lee Smith discussed these plans and addressed the ongoing debate about elevating the Players Championship to major status. The tournament's promotional campaign has sparked discussions among players and analysts.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships faced disruptions as world number one Aryna Sabalenka and number two Iga Swiatek withdrew late, prompting tournament director Salah Tahlak to demand ranking point deductions from the WTA. Tahlak described the reasons for their exits as strange and argued that fines alone are insufficient. Other top players also pulled out, highlighting concerns over the packed WTA schedule.

Reportado por IA

Lydia Ko and England's Lottie Woad share the lead at 8-under par after the second round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando. Both players delivered strong performances at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club amid forecasts of extreme cold weather ahead. The LPGA has adjusted the schedule to cope with dropping temperatures.

terça-feira, 03 de março de 2026, 12:48h

Jon Rahm rejects DP World Tour settlement amid Ryder Cup concerns

domingo, 01 de março de 2026, 00:14h

Australians Green and Lee lead HSBC Women's World Championship after three rounds

terça-feira, 17 de fevereiro de 2026, 09:31h

Dubai Open plagued by wave of player withdrawals

quinta-feira, 12 de fevereiro de 2026, 11:24h

Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys withdraw from Dubai Tennis Championships

terça-feira, 03 de fevereiro de 2026, 20:03h

LPGA commissioner apologizes for shortening season opener

terça-feira, 03 de fevereiro de 2026, 09:20h

Top WTA stars withdraw from 2026 Qatar Open amid injury concerns

sábado, 31 de janeiro de 2026, 05:54h

Nelly Korda leads LPGA Tournament of Champions after wind suspension

quinta-feira, 29 de janeiro de 2026, 11:13h

Nasa Hataoka leads LPGA Tournament of Champions after first round

quinta-feira, 22 de janeiro de 2026, 01:26h

Rory McIlroy urges LIV golfers to pay fines for Ryder Cup spots

domingo, 18 de janeiro de 2026, 20:43h

Three major winners skip LPGA season opener

 

 

 

Este site usa cookies

Usamos cookies para análise para melhorar nosso site. Leia nossa política de privacidade para mais informações.
Recusar