Caitlin Clark Draws Big Crowd at LPGA Pro-Am, Showcasing Her Golf Skills and Star Power
Caitlin Clark, the WNBA‘s Rookie of the Year and one of basketball’s brightest stars, made waves at the LPGA Tour’s pro-am event on Wednesday, bringing both her game and a significant buzz to Pelican Golf Club. The pro-am attracted an impressive crowd, surpassing the usual turnout for many LPGA tournament rounds, as Clark joined Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam for a unique and star-studded experience.
Clark, known for her dynamic basketball skills, played nine holes alongside Korda, the No. 1 ranked player in women’s golf. Korda, who had been sidelined for nearly two months due to a neck injury, was competing in her first event back. The pair also joined Sorenstam, a legendary figure in golf, for a round on the back nine at Pelican Golf Club, where the women were joined by an eager crowd.
While Clark has found success in basketball, she was quick to acknowledge the challenges of golf. Despite her impressive athletic background, Clark admitted that the game of golf is a difficult one to master. However, her ability to attract a large crowd and sign autographs for hundreds of fans after the round demonstrates her star power across sports.
Clark’s involvement in the event comes as part of her endorsement deal with Gainbridge, a key sponsor of the LPGA’s tournament and a company that also promotes women’s leadership. Clark’s participation in the event, as well as her appearance at the women’s leadership summit hosted by Gainbridge, highlights the growing cross-promotion between sports and brands, further boosting the visibility of women’s golf.
The event also highlighted the significant impact that athletes from different sports can have on one another’s fanbases. Korda, who comes from a family of elite athletes, including her father, tennis champion Petr Korda, and her brother, top-ranked tennis player Sebastian Korda, expressed her admiration for Clark’s ability to draw fans to the course. Korda, who has messaged Clark on social media, was thrilled to see Clark in action and noted the positive influence Clark has had on both the sporting community and fans alike.
For Clark, golf has become a welcomed break from the basketball court. She previously participated in the John Deere Classic pro-am on the PGA Tour last summer, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. During the LPGA pro-am, Clark made an impressive putt from around three feet away, further demonstrating her natural athleticism. Korda, who was watching closely, noted that while Clark was still getting used to the game, her raw talent and competitive spirit were evident. Despite a busy schedule and limited time for practice, Clark’s enjoyment of the game was clear.
The pro-am offered Clark a chance to experience the sport from a different perspective, one that wasn’t dominated by the media spotlight she often faces on the basketball court. As Korda observed, Clark was relaxed and appeared at ease, even with the large crowd gathered around her. Korda, who is coming off a stellar year, including clinching her first LPGA Player of the Year award, noted that Clark’s comfort in the spotlight is a testament to her maturity and talent.
The event also marked a significant return for Korda, who had been recovering from a neck injury and migraines. She was thrilled to be back on the course after leading the U.S. team to victory in the Solheim Cup. Korda has already secured the LPGA Player of the Year title and is leading the Race to the CME Globe, although she still has her sights set on securing a victory at the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship next week.
Overall, the pro-am not only showcased Clark’s growing influence across sports but also highlighted the expanding appeal of women’s golf. As more athletes from different backgrounds come together to support one another, events like these continue to boost the visibility of women’s sports, drawing in new fans and creating more opportunities for players both on and off the course.
