Caitlin Clark Shines at Annika Pro-Am

BELLEAIR, Fla. – Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever sensation and rising star in women’s sports, made waves this Tuesday at Pelican Golf Club during her LPGA Pro-Am debut for "The Annika Driven by Gainbridge." After a day filled with media engagements, Clark traded her high heels for sweatpants and, in a daring move, decided to practice barefoot at the chipping area as the sun began to set.

Despite the initial fun, her main goal was clear: avoid hitting anyone with her shots. However, as expected from someone who just recently transitioned to golf, the challenge proved tempting. Just a day later, during her round alongside world No. 1 Nelly Korda, Clark fell short of goal as she accidentally hit her hybrid into the gallery on the ninth hole—not injuring anyone but gifting a fan a signed golf ball with her iconic No. 22.

Excitement and Young Fans

The morning was electric, with hundreds of fans—many donning Indiana Fever and Iowa Hawkeye jerseys—coming out at 7 a.m. ET just to catch a glimpse of the WNBA Rookie of the Year in action. Among them were about 15 enthusiastic young girls from the Girls Golf initiative, a program supported by LPGA and USGA that encourages young females to engage in golf. These eager fans cheered and held up signs in support of Clark and Korda throughout the event.

On the Course Challenges

During the pro-am, Clark encountered some typical challenges of the sport, including a troublesome slice with her driver. Yet she impressively demonstrated her short game skills, notably chipping her ball to 15 feet and sinking a par putt. Korda observed Clark’s comfort under pressure, highlighting her ability to maintain composure despite significant media attention.

Highlights and Support

As the event progressed, the crowd was treated to some of Clark's highlights. Korda later exchanged golf balls with her, while World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam coached Clark at the par-3 12th hole, where Clark scored her only birdie. The crowd erupted in applause—exactly what the tournament organizers envisioned when they invited Clark to participate.

Ticket sales skyrocketed, reportedly increasing by 12 times compared to the previous year, showcasing the enthusiasm around Clark's presence at the event. Sorenstam commended Clark's powerful swing but advised her to work on her tempo, especially since playing alongside powerhouses like Korda could often push her to swing harder.

Caitlin Clark's Playful Spirit

Clark's playful spirit shone throughout the day, even when she mismanaged a couple of shots. “I got to see them do what they do up front—people would pay for that,” she enthusiastically noted post-round. “I’m very thankful for Gainbridge’s support of women’s sports—it’s tremendous.”

Inspiring Future Generations

As she signed autographs for fans below the 18th green and prepared to depart for her next journey, it was clear that Caitlin Clark is not only shaping her own athletic career but also shining a spotlight on women’s golf. Her charm, talent, and determination promise to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Expect to see more of her on the green—this is just the beginning!