Korda, who teed it up in Wednesday’s pro-am with WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark, said she might have “rushed” her rehab to get back in time for this week’s event. A two-time winner of The Annika driven by Gainbridge, it was important for her to get back inside the ropes at Pelican Golf Club and play in front of somewhat of a home crowd.

Newly minted Player of the Year Nelly Korda has not played competitively in nearly two months, but based on her opening round at The Pelican on Thursday, you could never have guessed that was the case.

Nelly Korda is no longer in pain, but she’s also not 100 percent healthy. The Annika at Pelican Golf Club is close to her Bradenton home, and even though she’s already locked up the LPGA’s Player of the Year honors,