LPGA Launches 75th Season with Tournament of Champions
News Summary
The LPGA is set to kick off its 75th season with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club beginning February 3, 2025. Featuring 32 past winners and 49 celebrities, this year’s tournament marks a celebration of golf with returning stars like Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda alongside 21 newcomers from various countries. Throughout the season, fans can expect major championship events, extensive NBC Sports coverage, and festivities honoring the LPGA’s rich history.
LPGA Kicks Off 75th Season with Exciting Tournament of Champions
Get ready, golf fans! The LPGA is thrilled to announce the launch of its 75th season, and it’s starting off with a bang at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. This exciting event will take place from February 3, 2025, at the stunning Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Featuring 32 talented winners from the past two years and 49 celebrities, this tournament promises to be a spectacular celebration of golf.
Returning Champions and New Faces
This year, all eyes will be on Lydia Ko, who is eager to defend her title and win the tournament for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, World No. 1, Nelly Korda, is looking to continue her record-setting performance from last season, where she claimed an impressive seven wins, including her second major title at the Chevron Championship.
The LPGA is also welcoming a wave of fresh talent to the tour, with 21 newcomers hailing from 12 different countries. Each of these newcomers brings unique skills and perspectives, making them exciting to watch as they embark on their professional golf careers.
Setting the Stage for the Season
In addition to the thrilling tournament action, the LPGA will celebrate its 75th anniversary throughout the season. The festivities will kick off with a ceremony at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, the historic venue of the first LPGA tournament back in 1950. This season also features a record-breaking 32 official LPGA events, with total purses exceeding a whopping $131 million.
Competition Heats Up
While many players are gearing up for a fantastic season, some notable names are opting out of the season opener. Jeeno Thitikul, Ruoning Yin, and Lilia Vu are among those skipping the Tournament of Champions. Lexi Thompson will not compete regularly this season, having announced her decision for limited participation after getting engaged to her boyfriend Max Provost on New Year’s Day.
With impressive performances across recent seasons, players like Hannah Green are looking to maintain their momentum. Green has racked up four wins over the past two years and is eager to achieve greater success in major tournaments this time around.
Major Events and Coverage
The season will also showcase major championship events such as the Chevron Championship, U.S. Women’s Open, and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, offering substantial prize money and opportunities for players to shine. As fans gear up to follow their favorite golfers, NBC Sports will provide approximately 900 hours of coverage dedicated to women’s golf this season, making it easier than ever to keep up with all the action.
College Focus and Departures
Rising star Rose Zhang, focusing on her studies at Stanford, will not defend her title at the upcoming Founders Cup this year. As the LPGA bids farewell to several talented players who have retired, including Brittany Lincicome, Ally Ewing, and Angela Sanford, the tour is poised for a new generation of golfers to make their mark.
The Road Ahead
As the LPGA embarks on this exciting new chapter, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the 75th season unfolds. With top-ranking players like Nelly Korda eyeing yet another championship and newcomers eager to make their mark, the excitement is palpable. Fans, mark your calendars and get ready for a year filled with thrilling golf, inspiring stories, and unforgettable moments!