Caitlin Clark Swaps Court for Course at LPGA’s Annika Pro-Am
WNBA star Caitlin Clark temporarily traded her basketball for golf clubs as she participated in the LPGA’s Annika pro-am at Pelican Golf Club. The Indiana Fever guard, who has been making waves in the basketball world, showed she’s comfortable with a different type of ball as well, teeing off Wednesday morning alongside Dan Towriss and Jordan Jackson. For the first several holes, Clark was paired with two-time LPGA major winner Nelly Korda, creating a memorable sporting crossover moment. Korda later reflected on their time together, saying, “That first tee was something out of a book, almost. But it’s so fun. It’s cool to see how many people she brings together to another sport.” The world’s second-ranked women’s golfer seemed genuinely impressed with Clark’s ability to draw attention and enthusiasm to women’s golf, highlighting the basketball star’s growing influence across multiple sports.
Clark didn’t disappoint the gallery that gathered to watch her play, delivering a highlight moment when she sank an impressive 35-foot putt. The successful shot drew enthusiastic applause from spectators and prompted a celebratory fist pump from the two-time WNBA All-Star herself. Among those cheering were Clark’s Indiana Fever teammates Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull, who showed their support by wearing caddie vests emblazoned with “Indiana.” Their presence demonstrated the camaraderie that has developed among the Fever players, extending beyond the basketball court and into their off-court activities and interests. The moment captured the joy Clark finds in golf, even as she approaches it with less pressure than her professional basketball career.
After completing her round, Clark offered some refreshingly honest thoughts about the challenges of golf, displaying the self-awareness and humility that has endeared her to fans. “Golf is a hard game,” Clark acknowledged. “When you’re an amateur, you go to the course, and some days your putting is something really good. And some days your putting is really bad. And some days your driving is really good. And sometimes your driving is really bad. You never seem to have everything working all at once, but you just kind of figure it out and have fun.” Her perspective reveals a healthy approach to recreational sports, as she added, “I don’t take golf serious. I have fun with it.” This balance between competitive drive in her professional career and enjoyment in leisure activities offers a glimpse into how Clark manages the enormous pressure and expectations placed on her.
The 2024 season proved challenging for Clark, as injuries significantly limited her time on the basketball court. In September, she announced she would miss the remainder of the season, having already been sidelined since mid-July with a groin injury sustained during a game against the Connecticut Sun. The setback was disappointing for both Clark and basketball fans, especially given the excitement and attention she had brought to the WNBA as one of its most visible new stars. Her rookie season, while impressive, was cut short just as she was finding her rhythm at the professional level. The time away from competition, however, has allowed her body to heal and given her an opportunity to enjoy other interests, including golf.
The good news for basketball fans is that Clark revealed she has now fully recovered from her injuries. “Now feeling back to 100%, so been trying to take advantage of the fall weather in Indianapolis before it gets too cold,” the 24-year-old shared, according to The Palm Beach Post. This recovery bodes well for both the Indiana Fever and women’s basketball globally, as Clark also announced her intention to compete in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. This international competition will give Clark an opportunity to represent her country while testing her skills against the best players from around the world. Her commitment to the tournament demonstrates her dedication to growing women’s basketball not just domestically but on a global stage.
Clark’s participation in the LPGA pro-am highlights the increasing crossover appeal of women’s sports stars and the growing visibility of female athletes across different disciplines. At just 24 years old, Clark has already become one of the most recognizable figures in women’s sports, bringing unprecedented attention to the WNBA and now helping to draw eyes to women’s golf as well. Her ability to move comfortably between these worlds speaks to her versatility as an athlete and her genuine love of sports beyond her primary profession. As Clark continues to recover and prepare for her return to basketball, her appearance at the golf event offers a reminder of her multifaceted appeal and the natural charisma that has made her a star both on and off the court.
