LPGA NW Arkansas Championship Canceled After Severe Rainfall Forces Early Termination

The LPGA announced on Sunday that the final two rounds of the NW Arkansas Championship at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas, have been canceled due to persistent heavy rain making the course unplayable. Only the scores from the tournament's opening round on Friday will be recognized, and no ranking points will be awarded for the event.

According to the LPGA, a total of 3.25 inches of rain fell overnight from Saturday to Sunday, after stormy conditions restricted play to just 45 minutes on Saturday. Following a consultation with the tour meteorologist and the course superintendent, the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the 54-hole tournament as forecasts indicated unfavorable weather conditions through Tuesday.

Japan's Minami Katsu and American Sarah Schmelzel led the field after the initial round, finishing at eight-under par 63. Close behind at 64 were South Korea's Lee So-mi, Ireland's Leona Maguire, Americans Alison Lee and Lilia Vu, as well as Japan's Nasa Hataoka.

The LPGA stated, "As a result, the decision has been made to cancel the remainder of the tournament." The organizers also confirmed that sponsors will provide players with compensation exceeding the minimum for cancellations, ensuring all participants receive payment irrespective of their standings after the first round.

Looking ahead, the LPGA Tour is set to resume in two weeks with an event in Hawaii, followed by a series of tournaments across Asia, including stops in Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.