LPGA Cancels Tournament and Reduced to Unofficial 18 Hole Tournament

Saturday started normal enough at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Players were grinding through their second rounds when the sky decided to open up like a broken fire hydrant. What began as manageable delays quickly turned into a full-blown aquatic disaster that would make Noah nervous.

3.25 Inches of “Tournament Over”

The LPGA tried to be optimistic Saturday evening, suspending play and hoping Sunday would bring better conditions. Instead, Mother Nature delivered another crushing blow—3.25 inches of rain overnight Saturday into Sunday. The golf course didn’t just get wet; it got absolutely demolished. Pinnacle Country Club looked more like Pinnacle Swimming Pool by Sunday morning.

The Heartbreaking Call Nobody Wanted to Make

Just before 10 a.m. Sunday morning, the LPGA pulled the plug. “The golf course is unplayable,” their statement read—which in golf speak means “we literally cannot find the fairways under all this water.” With more rain forecasted through Monday, completing the required 36 holes for an official tournament became impossible.

Alison Lee’s Comeback Story Gets Washed Away

The cruelest twist in this weather nightmare belongs to Alison Lee. Playing in just her second LPGA event since giving birth four months ago, Lee had fired a brilliant seven-under 64 in round one to tie for the lead. She was living a fairytale comeback story—new mom returns to professional golf and immediately contends for her first-ever LPGA victory.

Silver Linings in the Storm Clouds

While dreams were dashed, the LPGA and tournament sponsors stepped up in a classy way. Walmart and P&G committed to paying out more than required for cancellations, ensuring every player gets compensated regardless of their position after 18 holes. It’s the kind of gesture that reminds you there are still good people in professional sports.

Money Talks, Even When Golf Doesn’t

Lee will have to wait another week for her shot at that elusive first win, but at least she won’t leave Arkansas empty-handed. The financial guarantee from sponsors means this weekend wasn’t a complete wash—even if the golf course literally was.