Fog has put the brakes on the Founders Cup presented by USVI, with first-tee start times delayed, though the 10th tee remains unaffected. The unexpected atmosphere gave players a little extra time to gather their thoughts at Bradenton Country Club in Florida, the tournament’s new home for its February 6-9 kickoff. With a $2 million prize pool and $300,000 for the champion, the moment the fog clears, expect players to come out swinging.

Home turf, home crowd, and high expectations—that’s the story for Nelly Korda, and Elizabeth Szokol at this year’s Founders Cup. Korda, as the venue’s native, is fired up to shake off her season opener and put on a show. “the most exciting part of playing in my hometown is having all the local support,” she said at the LPGA press conference.

She’s no stranger to this event, with four top-20 finishes in her previous six starts, and she’ll be gunning for an even bigger result this time. St. Pete’s Brittany Lincicome and Tampa’s Elizabeth Szokol also have the home-state advantage, ready to feed off the energy and make their mark. With the Florida crowd behind them, expect these three to bring the heat. Additional challengers, Jin Young Ko, a three-time champion (2019, 2021, 2023), is back looking to extend her dominance, while 2022 winner Minjee Lee is ready to chase another title.

Sponsor exemptions Lincicome is joining the field alongside Alexandra Swayne, and Monday qualifiers Sophia Schubert and Polly Mack, fought their way in for a shot at glory. On a field so set, let’s look at who tees off when.

The Founders Cup is officially locked and loaded, with 120 players set to tee it up in what promises to be an electric week of golf. So, who could be the best possibilities at the tournament for 2025?

Best picks for the Founders Cup 2025

Nelly Korda is back on familiar ground this week, aiming to rekindle the magic from her win at Bradenton Country Club during the 2024 LPGA Drive On Championship. She was dialed in that week, ranking inside the top 20 in strokes gained off the tee and strokes gained approach (10th, +1.30). Now, fans are hoping she keeps her form as she tees it up at the Founders Cup, where the pressure is on.

Jin Young Ko has been on an absolute tear, racking up three wins in dominant fashion. She kicked things off at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix, then kept the momentum going with a victory at Mountain Ridge Country Club, before completing the trifecta at Upper Montclair Country Club. Interestingly, all three came on courses in Arizona or New Jersey—two places that seem to bring out her best golf. Fresh off a strong showing at HGVT, where she ranked 10th in strokes gained driving (+0.32), Ko is once again a player to watch. If she keeps this form rolling, another trophy could be right around the corner. Check out the favorite pairing for Founders Cup 2025-

Another player to watch this week is Austin Kim, who has been quietly building an impressive track record. In 2024, she made 20 cuts in 27 starts, with three top-10 finishes and six total top-25s! Being from St. Augustine, Fla., she could really swing right at this one. So much talent on display. The 2025 Founders Cup is set to be one tough test, stay tuned for more updates!