The annual Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions returns to Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in 2023 for another unforgettable event. The world’s best LPGA athletes descend on the green to kick off the LPGA season alongside beloved celebrities. Add incredible evening entertainment featuring an all-female lineup and world-class food and beverage; spectators are in for an experience of a lifetime.
“I like to play in the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions simply because I get to play with champions. I get to play with all these amazing LPGA champions,” said actor Alfonso Ribeiro.
Indeed, the caliber of LPGA athletes makes this event stand out.
"It's an honorable tournament where only the winners can participate, and my goal is to participate every year. It motivates me to work hard," explained Nasa Hataoka, an LPGA athlete and Hilton Grand Vacations Brand Ambassador.
As one of the world’s longest running women’s professional sports associations, the LPGA represents some of the best athletes in the world.
The LPGA Foundation is a vital component of the organization, founded in 1991 on a mission to “empower, inspire and transform the lives of girls and young women through the game of golf.”
“As a kid, there weren’t a lot of opportunities for a young female athlete like me to see female athletes on TV. You basically had golfers and tennis players. And I would turn on that TV and just be inspired by the women athletes. And to see that they could make a living doing it really told me that I was validated as an athlete and that it was really important,” said Mollie Marcoux-Samaan, the LPGA tour commissioner.
“Hilton Grand Vacations has done an amazing job of trying to push the women’s game forward,” explained Brooke Henderson, an LPGA athlete from Canada.
The 2023 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions features LPGA winners from the previous two seasons competing for $1.5 million in official prize money.
“The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions is probably the best opening of the season. I really enjoy this golf tournament,” said Gabby Lopez, an LPGA athlete from Mexico. “I love the tournament. It’s a great way to start the season, and it’s such a fun vibe especially with the celebrities and athletes,” agreed Nelly Korda, an LPGA athlete from America.
The 2023 tournament’s roster is not yet complete, but if the 2022 lineup indicates the type of talent you can expect, you’re in for another good one.
Five players dominated the leaderboard of the 29 competitors in Hilton Grand Vacations’ inaugural tournament. America’s Danielle Kang placed number one, taking home the trophy. Following Kang was Canada’s Brooke Henderson, Mexico’s Gabby Lopez, France’s Celine Boutier and Nelly Korda, also from America.
"I’ve had the opportunity to play in the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions three times, but I’m looking forward to playing as a Hilton Grand Vacations Brand Ambassador for the first time."
Nasa is among the confirmed athletes returning to the 2023 tournament. She began playing golf at 11 years old and went on to represent Japan in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (T9), among other career highlights.
As for her favorite part of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions? Playing with other professional athletes and celebrities, which she doesn’t do often.
“It’s a great opportunity, and the competition is amazing too. These special playing partners bring out golf fans and other sports fans, which is exciting to see,” said Nasa.
Check out the event website to stay current as players are confirmed to play in the 2023 tournament.
The 2023 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions takes place January 19–22, 2023, at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. However, all four days are nationally televised, with Thursday and Friday on Golf Channel, and Saturday and Sunday on Golf Channel and NBC.
Read “Your Guide To Securing Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament Of Champions Tickets” for everything you need to do to catch the action in person.