There’s going to be a lot on the line at the Annika Intercollegiate.
Come the beginning of the 2023-24 college golf season, there’s going to be a lot on the line at the Annika Intercollegiate.
Held at Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, the Annika Intercollegiate has quickly grown to be one of the premier women’s college golf events in the country. And this year, the stakes are even higher.
An LPGA tournament exemption to be awarded to a player from this year’s winning team. The exemption will allow one player to compete in the inaugural The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican taking place Nov. 6-12 at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
The Annika, an official LPGA event, will offer a $3.25 million purse, one of the largest outside of the majors. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Annika Foundation.
The 2023 Annika Intercollegiate presented by 3M takes place Sept. 10-13. This year’s tournament will see 12 top NCAA Division I women’s golf programs compete in a 54-hole, stroke-play event, including defending champions Wake Forest.
“This is one of the tournaments I look forward to most each year,” Annika Sorenstam said in a release. “It allows the Annika Foundation to advance its mission by providing an opportunity for talented golfers to compete and make connections. We are thrilled to raise the stakes this year by extending the winning team an LPGA tournament exemption, further cementing our event as a launch pad for the nation’s top programs and players.”
Other teams in the field include Duke, Florida State, Minnesota, Mississippi State, San Jose State, Oregon, Texas, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Virginia. The final team will be announced after the 2023 NCAA Championships.
Virginia sophomore Amanda Sambach won the individual title in the fall.
The trash talk was great and the camaraderie was awesome.
The young guns got it done.
Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth took down the pairing of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy 3 and 2 at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, thanks to a hot putter from JT.
Woods opened the match with a birdie at the short par 4, but couldn’t get going throughout the night. Rory made some birdies, but it wasn’t enough to keep up.
The trash talk was great and the camaraderie was awesome.
Find hole-by-hole recaps, best tweets and reactions below.
The Match is a made-for-TV event distancing itself from its once-prominent frontman.
It was Avery Brundage, the former president of the International Olympic Committee, who insisted that sport must be amateur, that if played professionally it is instead mere entertainment. To be fair, it was one of the less loathsome viewpoints Brundage held, but over time support for his sentiment has dissolved, not least in the Olympic movement itself. The notion that a sport is sullied when played for pay won’t garner much support these days even in the tweediest corners of the USGA and R&A, yet there remains a debate within golf over that gray area dividing worthy competition from trivial entertainment.
This week—at least in the United States—golf tilts toward the latter. The QBE Shootout, for example, an event formerly associated with a man who could rival Brundage in his disregard for the human suffering happening under those who line his pockets. Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson are in the field this year, continuing a sporadic tradition of women competing alongside men in the team event. The 2024 Shootout will feature more mixed teams, a nod to the old J.C. Penney Classic and not its own roots as a tool for marketing Greg Norman’s machismo.
On the same weekend as the Shootout we also have The Match, another made-for-TV event distancing itself from its once-prominent frontman. This spectacle—pitting Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas over 12 holes under lights—also lands firmly on the lighthearted side of the entertainment vs. competition question, though Phil Mickelson may be among the few watching at home who won’t be entertained.
What the Match and the Shootout offer is a laid-back respite from most every other week in professional golf, when things of consequence are at stake, while still providing sustenance to fans who care not a whit for the World Cup away nor the travails of the Texans at home. What we’ve seen this week—and will next at the PNC Championship —is partitioned from the norm in almost every respect, from format to setting to seriousness. It’s a downy dessert that won’t linger on the palate, but which makes for a pleasing conclusion to a more substantial menu. For such events has this time of year become known as the ‘silly season.’
The ability to distinguish silly from serious is relevant when it comes to LIV Golf, which as a tour aggressively markets itself as entertainment-forward. Audience figures suggest LIV is not to every golf fan’s taste, but there’s a small subset enthusiastic for gaudy theatrics, for teams of near-arthritic middle-aged nerds aping swaggering jocks, and for exhibitions so larded with Saudi largesse that only the cash ends up having lasting value. The performative vulgarities could be forgiven in the cause of entertainment, even the relentless focus on money. But not the source of that money nor its sportswashing intent. And not the masquerading as serious golfers engaged in serious competition.
The difference between athletes and entertainers lies in what they play for: legacy or laughs. It’s why you don’t see many kids walking around with basketball shirts bearing the names of ‘Hi-Rise’ Hinton, ‘Dragon’ Taylor or anyone else on the Harlem Globetrotters roster.
For too long, the PGA Tour greeted endeavors like The Match with territorial wariness, suspicious that its product might be diluted by proximity, which was akin to a Michelin-starred chef objecting to a Dunkin Donuts opening down the street. The Tour loosened its girdle over the years, and now there’s even evidence that it has embraced the idea of entertaining fans outside the strict perimeters of its tournaments.
Like the upcoming Netflix series about Tour life. Whatever content value the show ultimately has, insiders insist it represents a radical shift from Ponte Vedra’s established, heavy-handed image control. There’s also TGL, the stadium-based concept spearheaded by Woods and McIlroy that launches in 2024, and which promises to lift the gloom from Monday evenings in winter. Should it gain traction, TGL can hasten the end of golf being perceived as a sport that only exists—at least as a viewing product—Thursday through Sunday, and only in conventional tournament form.
The Tour can do more toward that end as well. Plenty of events would benefit from adding entertainment-oriented components early in the week before action gets underway, especially in the era of elevated stops that leave poorer relations looking for any marketing leverage they can muster. In the coming dispensation, Tuesdays on Tour ought to be experimental days and nights.
The Match and the various acronymic ventures (QBE, PNC, TGL) illustrate in different ways how golf can entertain beyond customary norms around formats and time slots, without diluting meaningful competition elsewhere. And more importantly, that golf as entertainment can be delivered independent of terrorist regimes and their lackeys.
Tiger Woods returns to the golf course Saturday for the latest edition of The Match series alongside Rory McIlroy. The 15-time major champion and world No. 1 are set to take on Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, in a 12-hole match under the lights.
Woods is making his first appearance on the national stage since St. Andrews. He was originally in the field for last week’s Hero World Challenge but had to withdraw due to plantar fasciitis.
Check out some of the best photos from The Match VII in the Sunshine State below.
“Certainly looking to expand, just don’t know where that’s going to be yet.”
The Match VII is set to be the biggest yet — with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy taking on Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. We’re not sure it gets any better than that.
On Saturday, the four superstars will tee it up at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, for a 12-hole exhibition under the lights. Woods, who hasn’t played on the national stage since St. Andrews, withdrew from the Hero World Challenge last week due to plantar fasciitis. During a Zoom call with the media earlier this week, Woods confirmed he’s good to go.
Bryan Zuriff, who has an extensive background in Hollywood which includes executive producing the hit TV show “Ray Donovan” and movies like “War Dogs,” recently sat down with Golfweek to discuss what the future of the event could look like.
When this edition was announced, Golf Channel’s Shane Bacon suggested the possibility of an undercard.
Considering the amount of eyeballs that will be on Tiger-Rory vs JT-Spieth, I’d love some undercard matches to precede the big show. Get some LPGA player involved. Get Tom Kim on with some other young international studs. Use the platform for honest golf growth!
It makes sense and would be an incredible way to grow all branches of the sport, but is it doable?
“Everything’s a consideration, but then it comes down to budget and price,” Zuriff said. “Everything sounds good until you put it on paper and look at what you get for that. It’s hard enough to do what we’re doing for the four people that we’re concentrating on, if we start adding other gimmicks that sound good in the press, but they’re not necessarily the easiest to execute on and I just want to execute a great product.
“Certainly looking to expand, just don’t know where that’s going to be yet.”
During the six previous installments, The Match has been held in Las Vegas, Florida, Arizona, and Big Sky, Montana. When asked if there are any other bucket-list locations on tap, Zuriff said it’s tough to beat Vegas.
“I still like the Wynn, I just love the Wynn,” he said with a smile. “I like how easy it is there from a production standpoint. I like the background of the strip with the golfers in the summer. But we’re open. I’d go anywhere. It’s all about producing and cost … are stars going to want to go there?
“It gets complicated when you get into the weeds of the details.”
In an interview with Golf.com, Zuriff spoke on Phil Mickelson’s future with his program (Mickelson participated in the first four installments).
“I love Phil and he’s been an incredible part of this. But he knows, you know,” Zuriff said. “He went where he went, and we’re connected with the PGA Tour. So I mean, this is a PGA Tour event … But that’s a choice that he made. He understands that when you make those choices, certain things get sacrificed. And this is one of the things that got sacrificed.”
Regarding Woods’ involvement this time around, Zuriff thinks the environment will be the perfect place for the 15-time major champion to make his return.
“I think the setting is really good for him — 12 holes, golf cart, he can just make some really cool shots. It’s been a really interesting year in golf so you’re going to get some really cool perspectives between Charley Barkley and him and our other golfers. I think there’s a lot to chew in this match.”
If you’re interested in watching The Match VII, coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET Saturday with “The Conversation,” a 30-minute roundtable discussion with the four participants hosted by Brian Anderson.
TNT officials have said that “no topic will be off-limits.”
In a season that has delivered a record-tying 11 first-time champions, Corpuz could make it a dozen.
BELLEAIR, Fla. — Last year’s Pelican Women’s Championship delivered a showstopping leaderboard, and this year, thankfully, it’s more of the same. Marquee names like defending champion Nelly Korda (8 under) and Lexi Thompson (9 under) are hot on the heels of rookie Allisen Corpuz (10 under), who hasn’t won yet on tour but has played well enough to qualify for the CME Group Tour Championship.
In a season that has delivered a record-tying 11 first-time champions, Corpuz could make it a dozen, as could overnight leader Maria Fassi, who now trails by one.
Maja Stark, the young Swede who won the ISPS Hands World Invitational in Northern Ireland over the summer to earn her LPGA card, is also one back after a sizzling 63.
Corpuz decided about a month ago to withdraw from last week’s event in Japan in order to rest up for these last two events. The USC grad said longtime friend Megan Khang has been a huge help to her this year.
“Definitely before coming on tour I was expecting like to maybe really be working for my card,” said Corpuz, “and I’m really lucky that I’m not having to worry about that at this point.
“I think I know that I’m a really solid player, and it’s just really nice to have seen like the results this early.”
Stark has learned the importance of balance the hard way, getting sick several times after events. She had three weeks off coming into this week and barely touched a club due to inflammation in her shoulder. She then took a week off to help coach the Swedish national team in Spain.
“I’ve always seen a lot of the Swedes when they have come back and given back,” said Stark. “We had Anna Nordqvist at a couple camps, Pernilla Lindberg, Henrik Stenson.
“So after seeing them, and then a lot of times they go out and play really well the next time they’re out playing after meeting up with the girls’ team and stuff, so I think it was just good inspiration for me too, to see what they do and get some perspective and just have fun on a golf course and not feel the stress that I feel now.”
Lexi Thompson lines up a putt during the second round of the Pelican Women’s Championship at Pelican Golf Club on November 12, 2022, in Belleair, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Thompson, who recently won a LET event in New York but hasn’t won on the LPGA since 2019, posted a 67, hitting 12 fairways and 16 greens.
“There was a few pins out there that were tucked a little bit more than yesterday’s that I wasn’t as comfortable with,” said Thompson, “but I just kind of hit away from them and had about 20-, 25-footers.
“But gave myself looks, and that’s all I can do.”
Korda’s matching 66s have her in a share of fifth, two back. The former No. 1 won four times on the LPGA last season, including this event. She also won the LET in Spain but has yet to win on the LPGA this year after a blood clot that required surgery sidelined her for months. Both Thompson and Korda grew up in Florida and feel at home in Belleair.
“It’s been a tough year for sure,” said Korda. “I worked my butt off as well. I definitely put in a lot of hours, so it would just be hard work paying off, which everyone out here works really hard, so everything just has to click for someone to win that week.”
As for Fassi, she came to the LPGA carrying great expectations after a sterling amateur career but has yet to break through on the LPGA. Currently No. 130 in the world, a strong finish this week could vault Fassi into the CME. She’s currently 72nd on the points list. The top 60 qualify for the season-ending event that boasts a purse of $7 million and a winner’s check of $2 million.
Fassi followed her career-best 62 on Day 1 with a 1-under 69.
“I think it’s a lot about just kind of managing expectations and understanding that while a round like that (62) is very attainable,” said Fassi, “it also takes a lot of work, a lot of good shots, a lot of good putts made.
“So it’s not like everything was easy yesterday and it just magically happened. It was a lot of work. Maybe in a different way than today, but I think just really going back to my process on hitting good shots and trying to stay as present as possible. It’s of course easier said than done, but that was kind of my approach into today’s round.”
Maria Fassi is looking for her first win on the LPGA.
Maria Fassi is still looking for her first win on the LPGA. She’s in position to get No. 1 thanks to an opening-round bogey-free 8-under 62 at the weather-delayed Pelican Women’s Championship at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
The 24-year-old used seven birdies (including a stretch of three straight on Nos. 5-7) and an eagle at the par-5 14th to earn a two-shot lead over five players, one of which is Lexi Thompson.
Fassi’s best finishes this season are two solo thirds, one at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in July and the other at the Kroger Queen City Championship in September. Her last start came last week at the Toto Japan Classic where she ended the week in solo 70th.
Thompson’s round wasn’t blemish-free, as she bogeyed the par-4 second, but like Fassi, the 27-year-old had an eagle on the card at the par-5 seventh.
Lizette Salas is part of a pack at 5 under, while Jennifer Kupcho opened the Pelican with a 1-under 69.
The event has been shortened to 54 holes due to the impact of Hurricane Nicole.
“For me, I’m on the outside looking in, so it’s kind of like a free week to go out and try to play the best I can.”
Caroline Inglis tries not to look at the Race to CME Globe points list too often. She mostly leaves that to her husband. But earlier this year, when Inglis was No. 148 on the list, she panicked after realizing that she’d missed the deadline to sign up for Stage II of LPGA Q-School.
“I was freaking out,” said Inglis, who feared she wouldn’t have any status for 2023. “It’s just funny to look back on that.”
Now 99th on the CME points list, Inglis doesn’t need to worry about Stage 2, which was postponed due to Hurricane Ian and takes place next week in Venice, Florida. But she would like to stay inside the top 100, which essentially shores up full status for 2023.
While much of the attention will be paid to those trying to qualify for the season-ending CME Group Tour championship and the season-ending awards – and for good reason – those battling to finish in the top 100 have much to play for at this week’s Pelican Women’s Championship as well.
As if that’s not enough pressure, consider that Tropical Storm Nicole could wreak havoc on the week with heavy rain and strong wind. Tournament officials are prepared to move into Monday if necessary given that daylight is short for the 120-player field.
“It’s a very good test this week,” said Inglis, noting that she’s been learning how to focus on her process rather than what she can’t control – like the weather.
“I do have quite a bit on anxiety in general,” said Inglis. “I’m a very anxious person about certain things.”
She’s found ways to lower her anxiety levels, however, since she began working over the summer with Paul Dewland, a new sports psychologist Emma Talley recommended.
Inglis has posted three top-15 finishes in her last five starts since working with Dewland.
Dana Finkelstein ranks 120th on the points list. Two weeks ago, she launched a new side business making digital swing silhouettes. While admittedly not an artsy person, the idea came when she and boyfriend Henry Fall bought a new house in Mesa, Arizona. They started looking around Etsy for decoration ideas and didn’t like what they saw.
The new business helps keep Finkelstein’s mind busy on something other than golf, though she’s taking whatever happens this week in stride.
“For me, I’m on the outside looking in, so it’s kind of like a free week to go out and try to play the best I can,” said Finkelstein. “If I don’t, fine, I go to Q-School. If I do, I get a longer offseason.”
Those players who fall between Nos. 101 to 125 don’t lose LPGA status but are in Category 15 on the LPGA Priority List. They can go to Q-Series later this year to improve their status. The top 45 finishers from Q-Series fall in Category 14 and are listed in the order they finish.
The first player listed in Category 15 at the start of the 2022 season was Celine Herbin at No. 182. Consider that full-field events have 144 players or less, depending on daylight.
The next Match will be under the lights at Pelican Golf Club on Dec. 10.
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will team up to take on Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth next month in the latest version of Capital One’s The Match.
First reported by the Fried Egg, the group of major champions were announced on Monday and will play a 12-hole competition Saturday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. ET under the lights at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, host to this week’s LPGA stop, the Pelican Women’s Championship. McIlroy, Spieth and Thomas will make their Match debut, while Woods will make his third appearance.
The previous six versions of The Match have raised nearly $33 million for charity and donated more than 27 million meals through Feeding America. Next month’s Match will benefit Hurricane Ian relief efforts.
@JordanSpieth looks like we got some competition! Looking forward to a fun match under the lights against @TigerWoods and @McIlroyRory while we raise money for Hurricane Ian relief. Mental prep for the FedEx Cup and major championship jokes starts now! pic.twitter.com/5TthhjDusR
The event will be aired live on TNT, with simulcasts on TBS, truTV, HLN and Bleacher Report platforms. Players will be mic’d up for the entire event, with details to follow on the competition’s format and production, including the commentator team.
The golf world hasn’t seen Woods on the course since the second round of the 150th Open.
Tiger Woods is back.
Woods, world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth are set to face off in the latest edition of “The Match” on Dec. 10 at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, first reported by The Fried Egg.
This will be the third time Woods will appear in the made-for-TV match series, while McIlroy, Thomas and Spieth will be making their debuts.
According to Golf Digest, the exhibition will tee off around 7 p.m., will be played under the lights and will be 12 holes.
The golf world hasn’t seen Woods on the golf course since the second round of the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews.
Despite this being their “Match” debut, McIlroy and Thomas played alongside Woods and Justin Rose in September 2020 at Payne Valley Golf Club, a TV match that raised money for the Payne Family Foundation.
