Lake Nona is once again preparing to welcome one of the most distinctive and energetic events in professional sports. The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, known for blending elite women’s golf with celebrity competition and live entertainment, will return to Lake Nona Golf & Country Club from January 29 through February 1.

The announcement comes as Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) continues its partnership with Tavistock Group, reaffirming Lake Nona’s reputation as a premier sports destination and an anchor for major national events. For residents, it marks another opportunity to see world-class athletes and entertainers compete right in their backyard.

A Signature LPGA Season Opener – With a Twist

As the first event on the LPGA Tour calendar, the Tournament of Champions stands apart from typical golf tournaments. The professional field is reserved exclusively for LPGA winners from the previous two seasons, giving spectators a rare gathering of the tour’s most recent champions. These players compete over 72 holes of stroke play, with no cut, for an impressive $2 million in official prize money.

Adding to the fun is a parallel competition featuring up to 50 celebrities, athletes and entertainers from across sports, television and music. These stars compete for a separate $500,000 purse using a modified Stableford scoring system, making the event as entertaining as it is competitive.

Amateurs who qualify through the Pro-Am will also earn the chance to tee it up alongside both pros and celebrities during official tournament rounds, creating an atmosphere unlike any other stop on the LPGA Tour.

And for those who would like to watch from home, all four days of action will be nationally televised: Thursday and Friday on Golf Channel and Saturday and Sunday on both Golf Channel and NBC.

The ‘Party on Tour’ Arrives Back in Lake Nona

Over the past several years, the HGV Tournament of Champions has embraced its identity as the LPGA’s most lively, fan-forward experience. Branded as the place “Where World-Class Golf Meets World-Class Entertainment,” the event features far more than elite play.

Spectators can expect:

• Live music on the 18th hole, celebrating players as they come off the course
• Themed international food and beverage stations scattered throughout the venue
• Interactive fan zones offering opportunities to meet players, take photos and enjoy on-course activities
• Close-up viewing areas where spectators can follow their favorite LPGA stars and celebrities just a few steps away

The combination has proven to be a winning formula. Earlier this year, in the 2025 tournament hosted at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, crowds watched LPGA champion A Lim Kim secure the professional title while NHL All-Star Joe Pavelski claimed the celebrity crown. Both players held onto their leads in the final round – delivering a thrilling finish and showcasing the high level of talent this event routinely attracts.

A Long-Term Commitment to Women’s Golf

The strong reception the tournament has received – both locally and nationally – has inspired HGV to double down on its investment in women’s golf. The organization recently extended its agreement with the LPGA for another five years, ensuring that the Tournament of Champions will remain a season highlight well into the future.

Perhaps even more significant is the planned increase to the event’s purse. HGV has committed to raising the total purse to $2.5 million by 2029. This escalation reflects the rising global momentum behind women’s sports and highlights Lake Nona’s role in hosting a transformative moment in the LPGA’s growth.

What This Means for Lake Nona

For our community, the return of this event is more than an exciting week of golf – it is another moment where Lake Nona shines on a national stage. Large-scale events like this bring visitors, economic activity and a vibrant energy that reflects the spirit of innovation and connection our community is known for.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or simply someone who loves seeing Lake Nona thrive, the 2026 Tournament of Champions will offer something special.

Next Month: How You Can Get Involved

Check out next month’s issue, where we’ll share all the ways Lake Nona residents can participate in the 2026 Tournament of Champions – including volunteer opportunities, ticket details, fan experiences and how to make the most of tournament week.