The LPGA Commissioner's Decision to Cancel the Final Round of the Season Opener: A Misguided Move?
The LPGA's decision to cancel the final round of the season-opening tournament over the weekend has sparked controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of the move. The tournament, the HGV Tournament of Champions, was reduced to just 54 holes due to abnormally low temperatures in central Florida, with temperatures expected to be well above freezing on Sunday afternoon.
The LPGA's statement announcing the cancellation was vague, citing concerns about the course conditions deteriorating later in the day and making it difficult to complete 72 holes. However, the decision to cancel the final round was met with skepticism, especially given the lack of another event until February 19 in Thailand.
The amateurs competing in the pro-am event went out and played nine holes on Sunday morning, and six players who still had to complete their third rounds went out later on Sunday to wrap up their rounds. The golf course was deemed playable, and even Annika Sorenstam questioned why the pros weren't out playing.
The LPGA commissioner, Crag Kessler, sent a letter to players claiming that the LPGA was concerned for player safety, citing the potential for injury due to an overnight freeze. However, this decision was met with criticism, as temperatures were expected to be well above freezing on Sunday afternoon and into the 50s on Monday.
The letter from Kessler, obtained by GOLF, read in part, "I made the decision to limit the event to 54 holes, worried that our athletes might be injured given the way record overnight low temperatures hardened the course. While the decision was a tough one and ran counter to prior statements we shared, I made a judgment call. With the benefit of hindsight, there were clearly other ways we should have managed the situation."
The LPGA's decision to cancel the final round has been seen as a misguided move, with many questioning the legitimacy of the decision and the commissioner's concerns about player safety. The controversy surrounding the decision has sparked debate, with many wondering if the LPGA could have handled the situation differently.
