HGV Tournament of Champions Preview

This highly anticipated tournament, hosted by Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida, features an impressive field of 39 world-class players competing for the prestigious title. As all players are reigning champions from various events in the previous season, they will undoubtedly seek a strong start to the season. Let’s preview the tournament.

Jeeno Thitikul

Ordinarily, a debutant in the event is not expected to be favored to win the title. However, world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul carries a prime favorite tag when competing in the HGV Tournament of Champions this week. The 22-year-old Thai golfer dominated the women’s game last year, winning three titles – an achievement unmatched by any woman. Her first victory was the Muziho Americans Open, which she won by four strokes in May. She then secured a second trophy for the year with the Buick LPGA Shanghai, where she emerged victorious after a playoff. She concluded the year by winning the CME Group Tour Championship title for the second consecutive time. It is expected that she will start the year positively.

Brooke Henderson

Brooke Henderson can take pride in her impressive performance throughout the last year, especially considering her notable achievements during the middle of the season. As a 28-year-old Canadian and LPGA Tour winner, Henderson secured a spot to compete in the HGV Tournament of Champions. Her victory in the CPKC Women’s Open marked her 12th win on the LPGA Tour and her first since 2023. Henderson, a two-time Major Championship winner, will be striving to emerge victorious in the four-day event, having previously demonstrated mastery of the event. Over the past three years, Henderson has consistently finished within the top three in the event – including winning the title in the 2023 edition of the event. She will be eager to continue with a good track record.

Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko is an accomplished and experienced golfer competing on the LPGA Tour. Ko’s consistent performance throughout her career makes her a challenging opponent in any tournament. Her impressive record of securing at least one title per season over the last 11 years is a reflection of her exceptional skill and competitiveness. The 28-year-old Kiwi star is set to return to the event where she secured the championship title in the 2024 edition. Last year, Ko achieved a notable victory at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, winning by four strokes at the beginning of the year, and secured nine top 10 finishes in the events she participated in. Now, she aims to replicate her 2025 success and begin the season on a high note.

Prize Money

The tournament offers a substantial $2.1 million prize money, with the winner earning $300,000.

Past Winners

– 2025 ( A Lik Kim)

-2024 ( Lydia Ko)

– 2023 ( Brooke Henderson)

-2022( Danielle Kang)

-2021 ( Jessica Koda)