The hype surrounding WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark knows no bounds.
And time and time again, she continues to shine brighter than the buildup and deliver a rewarding experience for fans. Wednesday was no different.
Thousands of fans flocked to The Pelican Golf Club in Bellair, Florida, the site of this week’s ANNIKA, the penultimate event of the 2024 LPGA season. But fans were there not to watch the LPGA’s best get their last day of practice in; no, they came to watch Clark play in the Pro-Am.
“It’s great that she’s here. Very thankful to her to take the time to be part of our event. She’s just a really nice person, down to earth. She’s an athlete, you can tell,” said Annika Sorenstam, the tournament host who won 10 major championships during her illustrious LPGA career.
“I love all the young girls with the signs. Nothing we would really see on a normal Wednesday. It’s just great how she brings attention to the tournament.”
Many were on-site as early as 6:30 a.m. to watch Clark warmup. She teed off 30 minutes later, with a massive gallery following her and World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who played the front nine with Clark. The former Iowa Hawkeye standout then played the final nine holes with Sorenstam.
“It was so fun. Obviously, getting to see them do what they do up front is like people would pay for that. I got to do it for free and have fun with them,” Clark said after.
“Definitely a fun morning. Feel very thankful that Gainbridge (tournament sponsor) had me out here. Obviously, their support for women’s sports is tremendous. Very lucky and fortunate. Hung in there; did all right. It was a good day.”
A 16-handicapper, Clark revealed on Tuesday that her biggest goal for the week was not breaking 100; instead, she wanted to avoid hitting a fan. She came close to doing so on the par-3 3rd hole, where her tee shot almost drilled a few spectators lined outside the ropes. But according to Brentley Romine of the Golf Channel, her goal lasted eight holes after she tugged her hybrid on the 9th. Her wayward shot did catch a bystander, who walked away with a Caitlin Clark-signed golf ball—a solid consolation prize for a quick dose of pain and a bruise that may last a few days.
“She was just really enjoying it. You can tell. She’s definitely very talented. She was picking the ball really clean,” Korda said of Clark.
“She was losing a couple of shots to the right, but I asked her how many times a week she plays, and I think with the amount of obligations she has, she probably gets to the golf course once a week. So for playing once a week, she was playing really well.”
Sorenstam agreed with Korda’s assessment, adding that she “just needs to play” more to improve her game. But as with any player’s round, Clark did produce some highlights. She holed a long putt early, which elicited a massive fist pump from the WNBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year.
Yet, the biggest highlight of the day was the entire spectacle itself. Clark loved every moment and embraced the fans throughout. She even signed countless autographs after her round, proving that women’s sports continue to soar in popularity.
“I love that she has a love for the game of golf,” Korda said of Clark.
“I think it’s just growing the interest in all of women’s sports. I hope that’s what grows from this relationship.”
It no doubt will, as Wednesday’s festivities are further proof of that point.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.