Orlando / Palm Beach Gardens, February 6, 2026 – The LPGA Tour has taken decisive and unprecedented action in response to the escalating controversy surrounding the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

In an official statement released late Friday evening, LPGA Commissioner Craig Kessler announced that Lydia Ko has been formally sanctioned and suspended for a period of six months (with the possibility of early reinstatement pending completion of a mandatory conduct review program). The suspension is effective immediately and prohibits Ko from participating in any LPGA-sanctioned events, including tournaments, pro-ams, and media obligations, until further notice.

The decision stems directly from Ko’s repeated public accusations that Nelly Korda “benefited from special treatment” and that the cancellation of the final round due to extreme cold and frozen greens amounted to “a disgrace to fairness” and implied unethical collusion. The LPGA deemed these statements — made in interviews, social media posts, and off-camera comments — as “damaging, unprofessional, and detrimental to the integrity of the tour and its players.”

Commissioner Kessler’s statement was unequivocal:

“The LPGA Tour prides itself on fairness, respect, and the highest standards of conduct. Public accusations of cheating, favoritism, or improper influence — especially when made without evidence and in a manner that undermines a fellow player’s legitimate achievement — cannot and will not be tolerated. After a thorough internal review and consultation with legal counsel, we have imposed a six-month suspension on Lydia Ko, along with a substantial fine and mandatory participation in a player conduct and ethics program. We stand firmly with Nelly Korda, whose victory was earned under the same rules and conditions applied to every competitor.

This decision reinforces our commitment to protecting the reputation and dignity of all our athletes.”

The fine amount was not publicly disclosed, but sources indicate it is among the largest individual penalties ever issued by the LPGA for conduct-related violations. Ko has also been required to submit a written apology to Korda, tournament officials, and the LPGA membership.

The announcement comes amid Korda’s ongoing defamation lawsuit against Ko, filed earlier this week, which seeks damages and a public retraction for allegedly false claims of “cheating and collusion.” The LPGA’s action appears to be a parallel disciplinary measure, separate from the civil case, aimed at addressing the tour’s internal conduct standards.

Lydia Ko’s management team responded Saturday morning:

“Lydia respects the LPGA and will comply with the sanction. Her comments were made in the context of advocating for consistent and transparent decision-making in tournament play. She regrets any misunderstanding and looks forward to fulfilling the requirements and returning to competition as soon as possible.”

The golf world reacted with a mix of shock, support, and concern:

Players supporting Korda quietly welcomed the move. Lexi Thompson reshared the commissioner’s statement with a single fist emoji. Rose Zhang posted: “Integrity matters. Thank you, Commissioner.” Players and fans sympathetic to Ko called the suspension “excessive” and “dangerous precedent,” arguing that criticism of tournament decisions — even sharp criticism — should be protected speech. Neutral observers noted the rarity of a commissioner-level suspension for post-event comments, questioning whether the LPGA is setting a new, stricter standard for player conduct or reacting to mounting legal and sponsor pressure.

The timing is critical. The LPGA is in the midst of aggressive international expansion, new broadcast deals, and efforts to attract younger audiences. A prolonged public feud between two of its biggest stars — combined with a defamation lawsuit and now a high-profile suspension — risks damaging the tour’s image and alienating partners.

For Nelly Korda, the LPGA’s public support is a significant boost. At 27, she remains one of the most marketable and accomplished players on tour — Olympic gold medalist, multiple major champion, former World No. 1. The commissioner’s defense may help quiet persistent online criticism over pace of play, demeanor, and perceived entitlement following her winless 2025 season.

For Lydia Ko, the six-month suspension (potentially reducible) and formal warning represent a rare and serious blemish on an otherwise impeccable reputation. At 28, Ko has long been celebrated for her grace, consistency, and sportsmanship. Being publicly sanctioned and facing a defamation lawsuit threatens to alter that perception, especially if the legal battle proceeds to discovery or trial.

The LPGA now faces a delicate challenge: balancing the protection of its players from unwarranted personal attacks with the preservation of open dialogue about tournament decisions and tour governance. Commissioner Kessler’s intervention has drawn a firm line — but whether it restores trust or deepens division remains to be seen.

As the tour heads into its Asian swing and prepares for the first major of the year (the Chevron Championship in April), the fallout from this week could linger for months. The biggest scandal in modern women’s golf is no longer just about frozen greens or a canceled round — it’s about how the sport handles criticism, accountability, and the protection of its stars in an era of instant outrage.

Respect, it seems, is now enforced.

And in 2026, the LPGA has made it clear: cross that line at your peril.