ORLANDO — The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions awards LPGA players who have hoisted trophies over the past two seasons. But it’s also billed as the biggest party on tour, with 56 celebrities playing alongside 29 LPGA pros. There’s a DJ next to the 18th green in the mega hospitality build, and nightly concerts are held in the shadow of the official player hotel.
This year there were 14 newcomers to the celebrity field, which features a blend of professional athletes and entertainers. Notables include past champions Mardy Fish (2021), Derek Lowe (2022) and John Smoltz (2019, 2020).
Here’s what some had to say about why they love this game, dealing with pressure and what they learn from the LPGA’s best: