BELLEAIR (Florida) – This is the only LPGA tournament that’s quite like it. It seems that everyone has something bigger to play for than this week. There’s plenty of stories at the newly renamed Annika Driven by Gainbridge, at Pelican. Whether it’s Player Of The Year points, the chance to compete at CME to win $7 million or to keep your tour card, the Annika is a place with many storylines.
Lexi Thompson for example must finish at least in a third place share to be eligible for CME. She is currently T-12. Patty Tavatanakit entered this week’s CME points list 61st. Next week, the top 60 players and their ties will compete in Naples, Florida at the CME Group Tour Championship. The major champion is currently T-4, and will likely jump up to 50th.
Emily Kristine Pedersen entered the week as 80th in the CME point list. The top 80 players on the tour are given Category 1, which means that they will be able to compete in limited-field Asian tournaments next spring. Pedersen wasn’t just there to hold on. After 63-65-64-64, the surprise Solheim Cup selection who performed in Spain, Pedersen is having her best week ever on tour.
Sunday promises to be an exciting shootout at Pelican. Here are five important things you should know about a hot day.
