BELLEAIR, Florida – There’s really no other tournament on the LPGA schedule quite like this one. Everyone, it seems, has something to play for that’s bigger than this week. Whether it’s Player of the Year points, a chance to tee it up at CME for a $7 million purse or the fight to keep a tour card, there’s no shortage of storylines at the newly renamed Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican.
Lexi Thompson, for example, needs to finish in at least a share of third to have a chance to qualify for CME. She’s currently T-12. Patty Tavatanakit came into this week 61st on the CME points list. The top 60 and ties will play next week in Naples, Florida, at the CME Group Tour Championship. The major champ is currently T-4 and projected to jump to 50th.
Emily Kristine Pedersen came into the week 80th on the CME points list. The top 80 on tour have Category 1 status, which means they’ll get into the limited-field Asian events next spring. Pedersen didn’t come to Belleair just to hang on, however. The surprise Solheim Cup pick who delivered in Spain is enjoying her best week on tour with a three-stroke lead after rounds of 63-65-64.
Sunday at Pelican promises to be a shootout. Here are five things to know from a red-hot day:
