Golf

Basketball Star Brings Energy to the LPGA Tour Caitlin Clark, renowned for her basketball prowess, captivated a large crowd at the LPGA Tour on Wednesday, showcasing not just her athleticism but also her growing influence on the world of sports. The WNBA Rookie of the Year participated in a pro-am at Pelican Golf Club, drawing a crowd that outshone the typical audience during tournament rounds. The event saw Clark sharing the course with some of golf's elite, including world No. 1 Nelly Korda, a top-ranked figure in women’s golf, joined forces with the iconic Annika Sorenstam, a true legend in the sport’s history. Playing Alongside Golfing Elite Clark’s pro-am experience saw her playing nine holes with Korda, who had returned to competition after a brief hiatus due to a neck injury. The two navigated the course together, offering Clark an opportunity to engage with one of the best in the sport. Following this, Clark teamed up with Annika Sorenstam for the back nine, where the 10-time major champion hosted "The Annika" tournament. During her time on the course, Clark shared her admiration for Korda’s skills, though she humbly acknowledged the challenges of golf. “I've watched and she's amazing," Clark said. "But golf is hard.” Crowd Flocks to See Clark The energy surrounding Clark was palpable, as spectators packed the gallery to watch the basketball star take to the greens. Following the event, Clark’s connection with her fans was evident as she spent time signing autographs for hundreds of supporters, further solidifying her influence in the sports world. Boosting Women's Golf Through Star Power Clark, who has a partnership with Gainbridge, the presenting sponsor for the LPGA’s penultimate tournament, is helping to elevate women's golf. Brittany Lincicome, a professional golfer, praised Clark’s involvement in the sport, acknowledging how her presence will likely encourage greater visibility and participation in women's golf. Lincicome expressed that this will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of women’s golf. Nelly Korda’s Return and Observations As Korda made her comeback to competitive play after a two-month break, she reflected on the experience of playing alongside Clark. The Korda family, renowned for their sporting achievements, has long had a significant presence in the sports world. Nelly's sister, Jessica, has competed in the prestigious Solheim Cup, while their Her brother, Sebastian, is ranked within the top 25 of the men’s tennis world. Korda noted how much influence Clark has in the sports world and how her presence at the event was impactful. “Korda remarked, "Witnessing the impact she has on people, drawing them here—it’s truly remarkable to experience it in person today." Clark’s Golfing Skills and Future Potential Clark’s natural athleticism translated well to the golf course, even though she has limited time to practice between her basketball commitments. Despite only being able to play golf about once a week, Clark displayed a solid understanding of the game, making a putt from around 3-point range and picking the ball cleanly. Korda observed Clark’s relaxed demeanor and her ability to adapt to playing in front of large crowds, thanks to the media attention she’s garnered over the past few years. Korda’s Recovery and the Journey to LPGA Player of the Year Korda, who recently clinched the LPGA Player of the Year title, reflected on her health struggles after experiencing neck pain and migraines. Despite this, she’s remained at the top of the standings and leads the Race to CME Globe. As she prepares for next week’s season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, Korda is looking to secure her first career victory in the event, which offers a substantial $4 million prize for the winner. The LPGA Tour continues to gain momentum with rising stars like Clark, who are reshaping the landscape of women’s sports. The pro-am event was another exciting chapter in the growth of both basketball and golf, as Clark’s impact resonates across multiple athletic realms.