The LPGA Tour roars back to life this week at the JM Eagle LA Championship, but the star power will be noticeably dimmed. World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who has been in scorching form with a 1-2-2-T2 record to start 2026, is skipping the event, as is fellow top contender Jeeno Thitikul. Their absence throws the tournament wide open and shifts the spotlight onto a hungry field looking to capitalize.

Korda's decision to bypass Los Angeles is a strategic one, especially given her historic start. Her three consecutive runner-up finishes mark the first time an LPGA player has achieved that feat since the legendary Lorena Ochoa did it in 2006. Ochoa famously used that momentum to win five times that season, a precedent Korda surely has in mind as she prepares for the season's first major.

The logistics of last year's schedule appear to be a key factor. After playing in L.A., Korda faced a grueling cross-country trip to Texas for the Chevron Championship, leaving minimal time for preparation on a challenging new course at Memorial Park. With bad weather further disrupting practice, she ultimately posted her first finish outside the top three at the event since 2019.

By skipping this week, Korda gains valuable at-home preparation time, a formula that has often worked brilliantly for her. Known for her ability to return from a break razor-sharp, she's opting for a focused build-up to the Chevron. "I'm just going to stick to what I'm doing," Korda stated recently, signaling a confident and calculated approach to her major title defense.

With the tour's biggest names absent, the stage is set for a thrilling battle in Los Angeles. It's a prime opportunity for rising stars and seasoned veterans alike to grab a victory and build their own momentum heading into the heart of the season. For fans, it's a chance to see who can step up and seize the moment.