As the sports world turns its eyes toward Orlando this January, the Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) Tournament of Champions is set to deliver its most star-studded season opener yet. From January 29 to February 1, 2026, the pristine fairways of Lake Nona Golf & Country Club will host a unique intersection of world-class LPGA talent and iconic figures from the worlds of entertainment and professional sports. With a field that features New York Mets star Jeff McNeil, television staple Alfonso Ribeiro, and NFL legend Brian Urlacher, the event promises a high-stakes crossover that blends competitive intensity with the relaxed glamour of a Florida winter. Beyond the ropes, the tournament’s signature concert series—headlined by Kelly Clarkson and The Beach Boys—ensures that the 2026 kickoff is as much a cultural festival as it is a premier golf competition.
A Field of Returning Titans
The 2026 celebrity division is defined by a deep roster of returning champions and high-profile competitors who have made the HGV Tournament of Champions a staple of their personal calendars. Jeff McNeil, the 2024 celebrity winner and MLB All-Star, returns to the field with “PGA Tour dreams” and a reputation as one of the most formidable amateur golfers in professional baseball. McNeil, who has often spoken about the “tough road” to a World Series with the Mets, finds a different kind of pressure at Lake Nona, where his precise iron play is expected to make him a frontrunner once again.
Joining McNeil is Alfonso Ribeiro, the beloved actor and host whose swing has become as recognizable as his iconic “Carlton” dance. Ribeiro, a perennial fan favorite, brings a level of showmanship that perfectly encapsulates the event’s “Ultimate Access” philosophy. Alongside them, Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher adds a layer of gridiron grit to the proceedings. These three titans represent the core of a celebrity field that balances legitimate athletic pedigree with the star power of the entertainment industry, ensuring every grouping draws a massive gallery.
The Strategy of the Modified Stableford
Unlike the professional LPGA field, which competes in a traditional 72-hole stroke play format for a $2.1 million purse, the celebrities engage in a Modified Stableford scoring system. This format incentivizes aggressive play, awarding points for performance rather than just total strokes: 5 points for an eagle, 3 for a birdie, 2 for a par, and 0 for a bogey. A double-bogey or worse results in a deduction of points, making every high-risk shot a potential turning point on the leaderboard.
This system is particularly well-suited for a pro-am setting, as it allows celebrities like Blake Griffin or Albert Pujols to remain competitive even if they encounter a disastrous hole. For the LPGA pros paired with these icons, the format creates a dynamic environment where the “pro” provides the steady anchor while the “celebrity” hunts for the momentum-shifting birdie. It is this unique scoring architecture that has made the HGV Tournament of Champions a television favorite, as the points-based leaderboard often sees dramatic shifts in the final hours of the Sunday broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Newcomers and Olympic Glory
The 2026 lineup is bolstered by an infusion of fresh talent and Olympic prestige. Making her highly anticipated debut is Brandi Chastain, the FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, who brings her championship DNA to the golf course. Chastain is joined by former NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about “newcomers” to the celebrity golf circuit. Griffin’s witty humor and competitive drive have already made him a social media sensation in the lead-up to the event.
Other notable names confirmed for the 2026 field include legendary pitcher Roger Clemens, NFL great Emmitt Smith, and NHL All-Star Joe Pavelski, who returns as the defending celebrity champion. The inclusion of stars like Don Cheadle, Michael Peña, and The Bachelor’s Wells Adams ensures that the event appeals to a wide demographic, bridging the gap between hardcore golf enthusiasts and casual pop-culture fans. This diversity is a hallmark of the HGV brand, which prides itself on creating “experience-led” moments for its members and guests.
The Symphony of the Season Opener
While the action on the green is the primary draw, the 2026 HGV Tournament of Champions is equally famous for its “off-the-course” entertainment. The 2026 edition features an exclusive three-night concert series at Lake Nona’s Boxi Park, designed to celebrate the rising momentum of the LPGA Tour. The legendary Beach Boys will kick off the festivities on Tuesday, January 27, bringing their iconic California sound to the Florida night. They are followed on Thursday by rising country star Ella Langley, setting the stage for the week’s grand finale.
On Saturday night, global superstar Kelly Clarkson will headline the tournament’s concert finale. The three-time Grammy winner’s performance is expected to be a high-energy close to the tournament week, provided exclusively for HGV members, guests, and sponsors. This integration of top-tier music and elite sports is what separates the Tournament of Champions from any other stop on the LPGA schedule. As the pros and celebs vie for their respective trophies, the background track of 2026 is one of celebration, proving that the season opener is the ultimate “unforgettable showcase” for the game of golf.
