The LPGA Tour returns stateside for The Annika, with the first tee shot scheduled for 7:00 a.m. ET Thursday at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. World No. 1 Nelly Korda draws an early 7:22 a.m. start, placing her in the first dozen-and-a-half players on the course. This early positioning means Korda will face the morning conditions immediately, a strategic challenge for the top-ranked player as she seeks to establish an early lead in the opening round.
Nelly Korda faces early start as LPGA kicks off in Florida
Broadcast coverage of the event will ramp up significantly later in the day, with Golf Channel picking up Round 1 action at 11:00 a.m. ET. Fans tuning in during this window will catch the second and third waves of players, including many top-ranked contenders who typically draw mid-morning starts. The shift from early morning to midday play allows viewers to see how the course conditions evolve, particularly regarding wind and light, as the tournament progresses through its critical first 18 holes.
The Annika serves as a crucial early-season test for the LPGA’s elite, with the draw offering no easy passes even for the world’s best. Korda’s early slot highlights the competitive nature of the field, where every stroke counts from the first hole. As the tour settles into its stateside schedule, this event sets the tone for the upcoming weeks, demanding precision and consistency from players navigating the challenging layout at Pelican Golf Club.
Source: Yahoo Sports
