What Annika Sörenstam is achieving here for modern golf is simply phenomenal. "The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican" is not just about a substantial $3.25 million prize purse for the 108-player field, but primarily about keeping an icon's legacy alive and nurturing the next generation. From Thursday, November 12, to Sunday, November 15, 2026, the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, will once again transform into the stage for world-class golf, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Annika Foundation.
Korda's Historic Shot
Amidst this atmosphere, a story fit for Hollywood unfolds: Nelly Korda. The current world No. 1 returns to the Tour after the Solheim Cup in September and has the chance for the ultimate accolade in Florida. A fourth victory at Pelican would secure her the final point for the LPGA Hall of Fame – what a statement! Korda has already claimed victory here in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and has also, incidentally, secured the 2026 Rolex Player of the Year Award. She's simply unstoppable!
The Battle for Status and Glory
But it's about more than just Korda's soaring success. Defending champion Linn Grant, who snatched victory in 2025, is also competing and aims to be the first to win the tournament twice in a row. She also needs a truly strong result to improve her position in the Race to CME Globe. She is currently in 84th place and needs to step on the gas, as after the tournament, the top 60 qualify for the season finale, the CME Group Tour Championship. And anyone landing in the top 100 secures their Tour status for 2027. Things are really heating up on the greens this week!
"The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican" is therefore not just a tournament, but a melting pot of historical greatness, personal glory, and the fierce battle for the future on Tour. Live action can be caught on Thursday and Friday on Golf Channel and over the weekend on CNBC.
