Breaking Down the 2025 Annika Driven Favorites
The 2025 Annika Driven will take place at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. Pelican’s 18-hole course, inspired by Donald Ross’ original design, plays as a par 70 spanning 7,000 yards. It showcases rolling terrain, vibrant greenery, and pristine crushed quartz sand—each element thoughtfully crafted with precision and care. Notably, it’s the first course on Florida’s west coast to feature Latitude 36 Bermudagrass across all fairways, providing a lush, well-maintained look year-round. The design also incorporates seamless transitions with continuous rough, while the greens and tees are kept in top-tier condition. The tournament will take place from November 13th to November 16th, and here are two candidates most likely to win.
Nelly Korda
So, what makes this course such a strong fit for Nelly Korda, who has dominated here with three wins in five editions? A key factor is her remarkable scoring consistency each time she’s played it. The par-70 layout, stretching around 7,000 yards, seems to complement her distance control and steady rhythm perfectly. Another possible advantage lies in the course’s surface—its Latitude 36 Bermudagrass remains lush and resilient throughout the year despite the area’s variable weather, according to the venue’s website. Kip Henley, a veteran PGA caddie, said, “I caddied on the regular Tour for 20 years. The greatest ball striking round I ever witnessed in any of my groups was by her. She never missed a shot or a green until the last, and she putted from the fringe 15 from the hole!”
Choi Hye-Jin
Choi Hye-Jin ranks among golf’s highest earners without yet securing a LPGA Tour victory—a testament to her consistent play, but also an indication of the growing pressure she faces when it comes to closing out tournaments. Choi, a nine-time winner on the KLPGA Tour, has shown steady growth since moving to the LPGA. Her 29 top-10 finishes highlight her consistency and frequent contention, though she’s still searching for that breakthrough victory. This season has brought her more opportunities than ever—but also more visible tension. At the U.S. Women’s Open in June, a bogey on the final hole cost her a chance to narrow the gap and contend for the title. Golf has a way of turning missed opportunities into lingering doubts. Yet, Choi is far from the only one facing that struggle.
