Golf hasn’t seen crowds like this since the height of Tiger Woods’ career, but last week’s Pro-Am event drew a similar level of excitement thanks to basketball superstar Caitlin Clark. At The Annika Driven by Gainbridge, Clark played 18 holes alongside LPGA star Nelly Korda and golf legend Annika Sorenstam.
Clark began the round playing the first nine holes with Korda and finished the back nine with Sorenstam. Throughout the day, a large crowd followed her every shot, cheering both Clark and Korda on. The WNBA Rookie of the Year made several standout shots and putts during the round. Clark, who earned recognition as the WNBA Rookie of the Year and led the University of Iowa to three Big Ten Women’s Basketball Championships, was joined by Korda, who had a remarkable season, winning five consecutive tournaments to start the year on the LPGA Tour.
After the round, Clark expressed her excitement about the experience in a conversation with reporters. “It was so fun,” she said. “Getting to watch Nelly and Annika do their thing up close—people would pay for that. I got to do it for free and have fun with them. It was definitely a fun morning. I feel very thankful that Gainbridge invited me out here. Their support of women’s sports is amazing. I feel lucky and fortunate. I hung in there, did alright. It was a good day.”
A native of Iowa, Clark has been golfing since her younger years. She also participated in the 2023 John Deere Classic Pro-Am and has shared her offseason practice rounds with WNBA teammates like Lexie Hull.
Clark also commented on the power of sports to unite people: “It’s bringing people together where they can find joy in something.” Last week’s event at The Annika Pro-Am marked another step in the growing popularity of women’s sports across the country. As more fans tune in to tournaments and games, the audience for women’s athletics continues to expand.
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