Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions LPGA Celebrity Pro-Am 2026

Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

LPGA Celebrity Pro-Am

by Aaron G. Beebe | @GonnaHappen

HGV Events & Beach Boys Night

The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions LPGA Celebrity Pro-Am includes an annual review experience where members can explore upgrades, stay the same, or look ahead to future options—and special events are a big part of that value. This year’s lineup featured The Beach Boys, Ella Langley, and Kelly Clarkson, adding an extra layer to the overall experience.

I attended The Beach Boys show, and it was epic. Transportation was smooth, and I had the chance to reconnect with marketing team members I met the year before while also meeting new people. Front-row energy all night.

LPGA Tournament of Champions — Standard Bearer

This year, I served as a Standard Bearer at the LPGA Tournament of Champions on Day 1 and Day 2, and it was truly a blessing—my first time ever in this role.

Weather ultimately forced adjustments, including cutting back volunteer positions for safety reasons. The tournament was also shortened by one round, resulting in a well-deserved win for the incredibly talented Nelly Korda at Lake Nona.

Day 1 (Round 1)

I walked with Nelly Korda—locked in, focused, and absolutely deserving. Despite weather delays heading into Round 3, she was sitting at −6 under. I also walked with Robbie Amell and Kevin Millar, both incredible to be around.

Nelly gave me a big smile, a great handshake, and a sincere thank-you. I didn’t have my phone because I was working (no selfie), but the moment stuck—and I even ended up on TV. I’d standard bear anytime, any state, any tournament.

While the standard bearer role isn’t the most glamorous or visible position, it’s an essential part of the team—and that teamwork is what makes the event run smoothly.

Round 3 & Round 4 (Spectator Side)

For Round 3, I rested up and followed the action on TV as Nelly worked her way to −13 under.
For Round 4, I went back out to the course to watch in person. Since I wasn’t working that day, I wasn’t sure if I could stay for the trophy presentation when Nelly Korda was crowned champion.

Along the way, I spent time with a friend from Golf Digest, which turned into one of those classic “small world” moments. On the volunteer shuttle back, I met a couple who knew my cousin from Reno, Nevada, and another person who knew a friend of mine who owns a cigar company connected to a PGA tournament with Tom Daly.

Later, I came across a YouTube channel featuring Tiger Woods and Nelly Korda, where I left a comment about meeting Tiger Woods years ago at the AT&T Pro-Am Tap Room—along with Tom Daly and Ray Romano. It turns out Nelly and Tiger are connected through that same podcast channel. I also volunteer with people in Monterey and work with individuals connected to Pebble Beach, which made the connections feel even closer.

Small world. Golf really does connect people in unexpected ways.

Day 2 (Round 2)

On Day 2, I was a standard bearer for Ingrid Lindblad, Annika Sörenstam (walking with her son), and Bubba Stewart—the fastest man on two wheels.

Ingrid handed me a golf ball, which meant a lot. I also watched Annika and her son do a live interview that later aired on local Orlando news. She’s genuine, gracious, and still embodies the traditions, etiquette, and heart of the game.

Weather delays eventually shortened volunteer shifts on Day 2, but it clarified something important for me:

I’ve found a real calling working LPGA events and serving as a standard bearer.

I support women’s sports, athletes, music, and culture—and this fits.

Gratitude

I want to personally thank Nelly Korda, Annika Sörenstam and her son, Ingrid Lindblad, and all of the celebrities and players for being so gracious and welcoming. It was truly a blessing being your standard bearer for two rounds.

🎥 Related video about Nelly, featuring footage of me as a standard bearer:
https://youtu.be/Ed7fjUysz5I?si=pAcYi-_4s63LodhD />