The LPGA Tour recently had to cancel the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship due to financial neglect from the tournament’s underwriter, leaving world No. 1 Nelly Korda with one less title to defend in 2025. The tournament, which had a $2 million purse, was scheduled to take place at Palos Verdes Golf Club from March 20-23. The LPGA stated that the cancellation was necessary as the event underwriter failed to fulfill any payment obligations for the 2024 and 2025 events. The league is working with sponsors and stakeholders to explore options for rescheduling the event once the financial matter is resolved.
The Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship, which began in 2018, is a significant event on the LPGA Tour calendar, serving as a key stop before the Chevron Championship, the first major of the season. Nelly Korda emerged victorious in last year’s tournament, winning in a playoff. Interim LPGA Commissioner Liz Moore expressed disappointment over the cancellation, apologizing to players, fans, partners, and volunteers affected by the decision. Despite the setback, Moore acknowledged the support from Palos Verdes Golf Club, Palos Verdes Estates, and tournament operator Outlyr, mentioning plans to return to Palos Verdes in the future.
The cancellation of the event comes during a challenging period for the LPGA Tour, following the departure of Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan earlier this month. With the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship off the spring schedule, there will be a two-week gap before the Ford Championship on March 27-30 after the tour returns from Asia, where it will host three limited-field events. The LPGA Tour’s season is set to kick off with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, where Lydia Ko will defend her title.
The LPGA’s decision to cancel the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship highlights the financial challenges faced by professional golf tournaments and the impact it can have on players, fans, and sponsors. The league’s efforts to work with stakeholders to potentially reschedule the event demonstrate a commitment to preserving key tournaments on the tour’s calendar. Despite the setback, the LPGA remains dedicated to honoring the legacy of Seri Pak, a renowned ambassador for the game and the championship.
As the LPGA Tour navigates through a transitional period with a new interim commissioner, the focus remains on providing a competitive and engaging season for players and fans. The cancellation of the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship serves as a reminder of the financial pressures faced by professional golf organizations and the importance of strong partnerships with sponsors and underwriters. Moving forward, the LPGA will continue to adapt and innovate to ensure the success and sustainability of its events while honoring the legacy of legends like Seri Pak.
