World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda launched her campaign at the 2026 ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican with a sharp opening round, reinforcing her position as a premier championship contender. Staged at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, the prestigious LPGA Tour event boasts a massive $3.
25 million total purse, granting a $487,500 winner's payout and crucial Race to CME Globe ranking points. Korda's poised performance during the first round placed her firmly in early contention as she pursues another elite victory to add to her historic LPGA resume. Accumulating well over $15 million in career tournament prize money alongside major corporate backing from global brands like Nike, TaylorMade, and Goldman Sachs, Korda ranks among the highest-earning female athletes in modern sports.
Her laser-accurate ball-striking and steady putting across the opening 18 holes put immediate pressure on the rest of the field, setting up a thrilling weekend chase for the title and reinforcing her commanding reign over women's professional golf.