In a unique crossover event that had the golf world buzzing, basketball phenom Caitlin Clark brought her talents to the links on Wednesday at an LPGA pro-am tournament in Belleair, Florida. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year drew crowds that rivaled those seen at many regular tour events as she teed it up with some of the biggest names in women’s golf.
Caitlin Clark Teams Up with Top LPGA Pros
Clark, who recently wrapped up a spectacular debut season with the Indiana Fever, played the front nine holes with world No. 1 Nelly Korda. Korda was making her return to competition after a nearly two-month absence due to a minor neck injury. On the back nine, Clark joined golf legend Annika Sorenstam, who was hosting the event bearing her name, The Annika, at Pelican Golf Club.
The gallery following Clark’s group was noticeably larger than the typical pro-am crowd, with fans packing in behind the ropes to catch a glimpse of the basketball star’s golf game. After completing her round, Clark graciously signed autographs for hundreds of eager fans.
A Slam Dunk for Women’s Golf
Clark’s participation in the event was made possible through her endorsement deal with Indiana-based Gainbridge, the presenting sponsor of the penultimate tournament on the LPGA schedule. In addition to playing in the pro-am, Clark also took part in a women’s leadership summit hosted by Gainbridge.
It can only help grow women’s golf.
– LPGA veteran Brittany Lincicome on Caitlin Clark’s pro-am appearance
Many in the golf world saw Clark’s involvement as a positive for the women’s game. LPGA veteran Brittany Lincicome, who brought a basketball for Clark to sign for her daughters, noted that “It can only help grow women’s golf.”
Making a Splash on the Course
While Clark admitted that “golf is hard” during a brief Golf Channel interview, her pro partners came away impressed with her abilities and demeanor on the course. Korda, who hails from a renowned sporting family herself, marveled at the influence Clark has had in such a short time.
To see the influence that she has on people, bringing people out here, and to see how amazing of an influence she is just for sports, was really cool to see firsthand today.
– World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda on playing with Caitlin Clark
Korda also praised Clark’s relaxed demeanor and ability to handle the heightened media attention, attributing it to her experience playing in front of large crowds. Though Clark’s drives may have leaked a bit to the right, Korda noted that the hoops star was “definitely very talented” and “picking the ball clean,” especially considering her limited practice time.
From Hardcourt to Fairway
This isn’t the first time Clark has brought her celebrity status to the golf course. Last summer, she played in the John Deere Classic pro-am on the PGA Tour. The young star seems to enjoy the change of pace and opportunity to test her skills in a different arena.
On the basketball front, Clark is coming off a rookie campaign that saw her average an impressive XX points, XX rebounds, and XX assists per game. Her dynamic play and infectious personality quickly made her a fan favorite and one of the most marketable young athletes in the world of sports.
Boost for the LPGA Tour
Clark’s star turn at the pro-am comes at an exciting time for the LPGA Tour. Nelly Korda, already one of the most recognizable figures in women’s golf, has locked up Player of the Year honors with a dominant season that included four victories and six top-five finishes in just 14 starts.
Korda will now turn her attention to the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship next week, where a staggering $4 million first-place prize will be on the line. A win would put an emphatic exclamation point on a campaign that has cemented Korda’s status as the unquestioned queen of the women’s game.
Meanwhile, the buzz generated by Clark’s appearance provided a nice boost for an LPGA Tour that has seen steady growth in recent years but still fights for mainstream attention. With more crossover events and partnerships like this, women’s golf could be poised for its biggest breakout yet.
Looking Ahead
As for Caitlin Clark, her golfing exploits are likely to remain a sidelight to her budding basketball career. But if her pro-am debut is any indication, the multi-talented athlete will continue to make headlines and draw crowds wherever her passions take her.
For now, Clark can savor a successful first foray into the world of professional golf – and the LPGA Tour can thank its lucky stars that, at least for one unforgettable day, the future of basketball crossed paths with the best in the game of golf. It’s a win-win that could pay dividends for years to come as women’s sports continues its unstoppable rise.
