Katsu, Choi Share Lead as Korda Shines at The ANNIKA

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The 2026 ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican opened Thursday with outstanding golf and plenty of excitement. Some of the LPGA Tour’s biggest names delivered impressive performances at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. Japan’s Minami Katsu and South Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi stole the spotlight with matching 9-under-par rounds of 61. Both players grabbed a share of the opening-round lead and immediately established themselves as contenders. Meanwhile, American Lindy Duncan followed closely with an impressive 8-under 62. However, the hometown crowd also had plenty to celebrate with Nelly Korda’s strong opening performance.

Korda fired a 7-under 63, placing herself fourth and just two shots behind the leaders. The three-time tournament champion entered the week seeking another victory at one of her favorite venues. Additionally, the opening round featured several other impressive scores. Julia Lopez Ramirez, Ina Yoon, Jing Yan, and Nicole Broch Estrup shared fifth place at 6-under. Leona Maguire and Mao Saigo also started strongly with matching 5-under rounds. The opening leaderboard demonstrated the tremendous depth of talent competing in this year’s tournament. More importantly, Thursday’s scoring created the possibility of an exciting battle throughout the weekend.

Katsu and Choi Set the Early Pace

Katsu and Choi could hardly have requested better starts to their tournament. Both golfers attacked Pelican Golf Club and produced remarkable rounds that separated them from most of the field. Their matching 61s highlighted a day when aggressive approaches and confident putting created numerous scoring opportunities. Furthermore, their performances placed immediate pressure on the tournament’s established stars. Neither golfer could afford to relax with so many talented competitors chasing them. However, maintaining that momentum will present another challenge Friday. Both leaders must continue converting birdie opportunities while avoiding costly mistakes.

Duncan also deserves considerable attention after finishing just one stroke behind the co-leaders. Her 62 placed her firmly in contention and provided an excellent foundation for the remaining three rounds. With only two strokes separating the top four players, the tournament already has the makings of a thrilling finish.

Korda Delivers One of Thursday’s Best Shots

Korda produced one of Thursday’s memorable moments with a long birdie putt on the par-4 17th hole. The putt dropped and moved her to 7-under, providing another highlight during her bogey-free round. Furthermore, her performance carried additional significance following an eight-week break from LPGA competition. Korda showed little rust while competing alongside Choi and Auston Kim.

The world No. 1 also entered the tournament with history within reach. Another victory would give Korda the final point she needs for LPGA Hall of Fame eligibility. However, Korda emphasized her competitive approach rather than concentrating on individual honors. She wants to play her best golf and allow the results to determine her accomplishments. Her opening round certainly strengthened those ambitions. Korda demonstrated excellent composure, avoided bogeys, and kept herself within striking distance of the leaders.

Great Shots Highlight Opening-Round Action

Thursday’s low scores showcased the players’ impressive shotmaking abilities. Choi’s career-best 61 ranked among the day’s greatest achievements. Meanwhile, Korda’s lengthy birdie putt on the 17th provided a specific example of the putting excellence on display. The tournament also featured strong opening performances from several international competitors. Lopez Ramirez, Yoon, Yan, and Broch Estrup all finished within three strokes of the leaders. Additionally, Maguire and Saigo remained close enough to challenge with another low round Friday.

The LPGA published first-round highlight packages featuring Charley Hull and Brooke Henderson. Those videos joined the tournament’s overall first-round highlights. Although the official highlights showcase Thursday’s action, detailed descriptions of every notable approach and chip remain unavailable in the verified reports.

A Strong Field Creates an Exciting Weekend

The ANNIKA attracted 108 competitors for its seventh edition. The tournament features a $3.25 million purse, including $487,500 for the champion. Moreover, the field includes several former champions and some of the world’s highest-ranked players. Defending champion Linn Grant entered the tournament looking to repeat her 2025 success. Meanwhile, Korda hopes to claim her fourth victory at Pelican Golf Club.

Lilia Vu and Sei Young Kim also returned as former champions. However, Thursday’s leaderboard showed that past success guarantees nothing. Katsu and Choi quickly established themselves as serious threats to the tournament favorites. The opening round also highlighted the strength of international women’s golf. Players from Japan, South Korea, Spain, Denmark, and Ireland all occupied prominent leaderboard positions. With so many players producing low scores, Friday could bring another dramatic reshuffling of the standings.

What to Watch in Round Two

Friday’s second round will test whether Katsu and Choi can maintain their impressive opening pace. Duncan will also look to continue her strong performance and potentially move into the lead. However, Korda could become the tournament’s biggest storyline with another outstanding round. Her familiarity with Pelican Golf Club gives her confidence heading into the next three days. Furthermore, the leaderboard leaves little room for mistakes. Several competitors remain within striking distance, and another round in the low 60s could dramatically change the tournament.

The second round begins Friday, November 13, with Golf Channel coverage scheduled from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Eastern. Thursday delivered excellent scoring, impressive putting, and an exciting battle among some of women’s golf’s biggest names. Now, the question becomes whether the leaders can maintain their momentum or Korda can chase them down. One thing remains certain: The ANNIKA has already provided an entertaining opening chapter in Belleair.

About Post Author

Bradley Walker

Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball. Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour. In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights. He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.

bradleywalker3083@gmail.com

http://ngscsports.com

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Bradley Walker: Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.

Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.

In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.

He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.