On Wednesday afternoon, 36 temporary lockers were delivered to Lake Nona Golf and Country Club for LPGA players to use during the Hilton Grand Vacation Tournament of Champions. Prior to that, no lockers were available for female players at the Hilton Grand Vacation Tournament of Champions. This included both the 29 pros as well as four celebrities. The men’s locker room is used by male celebrities.
The club’s new temporary lockers are located in the women’s locker area, which is on the same level as the men’s. These areas, which have the only showers available, are open to tournament hospitality as well as VIPs.
The permanent lockers in the Lake Nona women’s locker area were damaged by a recent storm. Although temporary lockers were ordered by the tournament, they would be placed on the second floor of the clubhouse near player dining. However, the area didn’t include any bathrooms. LPGA officials cancelled the lockers Jan. 11. They stated that the tournament team decided not to pursue this option due to the prioritization for other player uses.
Last year’s TOC had no locker room for players.
Annika Sorenstam, who has lived in Lake Nona for many decades, is again participating as a celebrity in this week’s event.
When Sorenstam was asked about Wednesday’s locker room situation, he said that it was “unfortunate that that story is being discussed”. “I want to concentrate on the game. Hopefully they can sort out all the logistics so we can concentrate on what’s most important.”
Nelly Korda also dismissed the situation.
“Honestly, I have played this tournament and I believe from the beginning. Not 100 percent sure. Korda said that lockers have never been available to us. “This event is unique in that it doesn’t bother me at all,” Korda said. It’s a great opportunity to compete with celebrities, ex-athletes, and current athletes. It would not bother me if it was at a regular LPGA tournament. This event has so many cool, different stories, I don’t think I could even consider it.
As long as there is a gym for warming up and a range to practice, I am happy.
Matilda Castren was the first Finnish player to win the LPGA in 2021. She demanded that the tour have a “certain standard” for each event. Ryann O’Toole placed the responsibility on the LPGA for a player-only locker area each week.
O’Toole stated, “I placed an emphasis on our Tour as taking care for that for us.” “The tour should be under pressure and I don’t believe anyone else can do that.”
