LPGA Champions Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, Jeeno Thitikul and More to Compete in 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

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modified stableford format technical

A scoring system used in golf tournaments that awards or subtracts points on each hole based on how a player scores relative to par, so a very good hole yields many points while a bad hole only costs that hole’s points rather than ballooning a total score. For investors, the format can change viewer excitement, broadcast dynamics and sponsor exposure—similar to altering a game’s rules to encourage comebacks, which can boost TV ratings, attendance and marketing value.

Top LPGA champions join celebrity players for high-stakes season opener in Lake Nona

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE:HGV), the premier vacation ownership and experiences company, unveils the championship field for the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. This marquee event features a unique format that pairs LPGA champions with celebrity competitors in a four-day tournament that has become a must-watch spectacle and the signature kickoff to the LPGA Tour season.

This year’s tournament features defending champion A Lim Kim leading a powerhouse field of LPGA Tour winners from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. With $2.1 million in prize money at stake for LPGA professionals, the lineup includes multiple major champions, seasoned veterans and breakout stars. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, Olympic gold medalist Nelly Korda and LPGA Hall of Famer Lydia Ko will be joined by young talent such as two-time Tour winner Rose Zhang. The tournament’s winning pedigree continues to attract the Tour’s elite performers, all competing for both prize money and early-season momentum.

Joining the LPGA players are celebrities from sports, entertainment and music, all competing for a $500,000 purse in a modified Stableford format. This year’s celebrity roster includes NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, “The Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Joey Graziadei and actor Timothy Simons of “Nobody Wants This” and “Veep,” creating dynamic pairings that set this event apart.

“Each year, the caliber of talent competing at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club is exceptional, and 2026 is shaping up to be another remarkable year,” said Mark Wang, CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations. “These are the athletes who defined the past two seasons with their victories and watching them compete in HGV’s hometown is truly a privilege. Our partnership with the LPGA grows stronger every year, and this tournament exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating women’s golf and creating unforgettable experiences for our members.”

“The LPGA continues to grow in visibility and stature, and events like the HGV Tournament of Champions are a big reason why,” said Ricki Lasky, LPGA’s chief tour business and operations officer. “Starting our season with this level of star power, in front of national television audiences, and with incredible fan engagement, is a statement about where our Tour is and where we’re headed.”

The current confirmed roster of champion LPGA players for the 2026 HGV Tournament of Champions includes:

• Lauren Coughlin (USA)
• Austin Ernst (USA)
• Ayaka Furue (Japan)
• Linn Grant (Sweden)
• Nasa Hataoka (Japan)
• Brooke Henderson (Canada)
• Charley Hull (England)
• Youmin Hwang (Republic of Korea)
• Jin Hee Im (Republic of Korea)
• Akie Iwai (Japan)
• Chizzy Iwai (Japan)
• Moriya Jutanugarn (Thailand)
• A Lim Kim (Republic of Korea)
• Lydia Ko (New Zealand)
• Nelly Korda (USA)
• Jennifer Kupcho (USA)
• Somi Lee (Republic of Korea)
• Ingrid Lindblad (Sweden)
• Yealimi Noh (USA)
• Haeran Ryu (Republic of Korea)
• Madelene Sagstrom (Sweden)
• Mao Saigo (Japan)
• Yuka Saso (Japan)
• Maja Stark (Sweden)
• Linnea Strom (Sweden)
• Jasmine Suwannapura (Thailand)
• Rio Takeda (Japan)
• Bailey Tardy (USA)
• Patty Tavatanakit (Thailand)
• Jeeno Thitikul (Thailand)
• Lilia Vu (USA)
• Miranda Wang (China)
• Chanettee Wannasaen (Thailand)
• Lottie Woad (England)
• Miyu Yamashita (Japan)
• Amy Yang (Republic of Korea)
• Angel Yin (USA)
• Ruoning Yin (China)
• Rose Zhang (USA)

The four-day event will take place Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, 2026, at the renowned Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida. The tournament will be broadcast nationwide on NBC, Golf Channel and Peacock, providing millions of fans with extensive coverage. Beyond the competition, HGV will host an exclusive three-night concert series for members and invited guests, featuring performances by Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and Ella Langley.

To learn more and inquire about tickets and sponsorship opportunities that provide exclusive access to the tournament and concert series, visit www.HGVLPGA.com.

About Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE:HGV) is recognized as a leading global timeshare company and is the exclusive vacation ownership partner of Hilton. With headquarters in Orlando, Florida, Hilton Grand Vacations develops, markets, and operates a system of brand-name, high-quality vacation ownership resorts in select vacation destinations. Hilton Grand Vacations has a reputation for delivering a consistently exceptional standard of service, and unforgettable vacation experiences for guests and more than 720,000 Club Members. Membership with the Company provides best-in-class programs, exclusive services and maximum flexibility for our Members around the world.

For more information, visit www.corporate.hgv.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest and YouTube.

About the LPGA

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is the world’s premier women’s professional golf organization. Created in 1950 by 13 pioneering female Founders, the LPGA, whose Members now represent nearly 40 countries, is the longest-standing professional women’s sports organization. Through the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour, the LPGA Professionals, and a joint venture with the Ladies European Tour, the LPGA provides female professionals the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the game of golf at the highest level. In addition to its professional tours and teaching accreditation programs, the LPGA features a fully integrated Foundation, which provides best-in-class programming for female golfers through its junior golf programming, and its LPGA Amateurs division, which offers its members playing and learning opportunities around the world. The LPGA aims to use its unique platform to inspire, transform and advance opportunities for girls and women, on and off the golf course.

Follow the LPGA online at www.LPGA.com and download its mobile apps on Apple or Google Play. Join the social conversation on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and YouTube.

About the LPGA Tour

The LPGA Tour is the world’s leading competitive destination for the best female professional golfers in the world. The Tour hosts more than 32 annual events across 12 countries for over 200 athletes, awarding total prize funds exceeding $129 million and reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. Follow the LPGA Tour on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel.

About Lake Nona Golf & Country Club

Recognized as one of the world’s top private golf club communities, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club sits at the heart of Lake Nona, one of the fastest growing and innovative master-planned communities in America that is establishing a new standard of living for its residents with groundbreaking initiatives around technology, mobility, and wellbeing. For nearly 40 years, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club has delivered exceptional Central Florida living, combining natural splendor with a dynamic lifestyle amidst a sanctuary of luxury estate homes. The unique opportunity to live and play at Lake Nona is enhanced by a wealth of amenities, including a Tom Fazio-designed, championship golf course, a fully equipped golf performance center, a 40,000-square-foot Clubhouse, an array of sports and recreational facilities and services, and a trio of waterways. Guided by a continual pursuit of excellence, highlighted by exceptional family experiences and outstanding service, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club will continue to set the benchmark for lifestyle-driven club communities for years to come.

For more information, visit: www.lakenona.club.

About Lake Nona

Planned and developed by the Tavistock Development Company, Lake Nona is one of the fastest growing and most innovative communities in America. Located in Orlando, Florida, the 17-square-mile community has established a new standard of living for its residents with groundbreaking initiatives around technology, mobility, and wellbeing. Lake Nona is located contiguous to Orlando International Airport in the most visited destination in the U.S. The smart and connected community’s advanced infrastructure and commitment to collaboration has drawn visionary companies and entrepreneurs from across the globe to join its living lab environment accelerating economic growth and opportunity across health and life sciences, education, hospitality, and sports and performance. Lake Nona’s attractive business ecosystem is enhanced by a thriving cultural landscape defined by iconic architecture and engaging public art installations, miles of trails and walkable green spaces, weekly signature events, shopping, dining and entertainment options set amongst Central Florida’s beautiful natural landscape and year-round sunshine.

For more information, visit www.lakenona.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260121096894/en/

Media Contact:

Lauren George

407-613-8431

lauren.george@hgv.com

Source: Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.