Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida recently reopened for play after being flooded by Hurricane Milton. The club, which will host The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican next month, is working hard to recover from the damage caused by the hurricane. Director of Golf/COO Justin Sheehan was amazed by how quickly the water receded overnight, but was disturbed by the piles of pine straw left behind. Despite losing 20 to 25 trees and receiving 15 to 20 inches of rain, the club’s dedicated staff, members, and even the club’s owners came together to help clean up the course.
The Annika, now in its fifth edition, is a significant event on the LPGA schedule and serves as the cutoff for finalizing status for the 2025 season. Previous winners of the tournament include Sei Young Kim, Nelly Korda, and Lilia Vu, who rose to No. 1 in the world after her victory last year. The event has quickly become a staple at Pelican Golf Club and is eagerly anticipated by players and fans alike. This year’s tournament will be even more special as everyone involved works hard to rebuild and prepare for the event.
Despite the damage caused by the hurricane, the maintenance staff at Pelican Golf Club was able to mow the entire course by Sunday, showcasing their resilience and dedication to getting the club back in shape for the upcoming tournament. Drone images taken after the hurricane show the extent of the damage caused by the storm, but also highlight the beauty of the club and the potential for it to recover. With WNBA star Caitlin Clark set to play in the pro-am, this year’s event is expected to be a blockbuster that attracts even more attention than previous years.
The rapid recovery of Pelican Golf Club is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the staff to the members and owners. The club’s commitment to hosting The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican next month despite the challenges they faced is a true testament to their resilience and determination. As the event approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be a memorable tournament that showcases the beauty and strength of Pelican Golf Club.
