surrounding hype WNBA Superstar Caitlin Clark knows no limits.
And time and time again, she continues to outshine the stack and provide fans with a rewarding experience. Wednesday was no exception.
Thousands of fans packed into Pelican Golf Club in Bellaire, Fla., this week's venue for ANNIKA, the penultimate event of the 2024 LPGA season. But fans weren't there to watch the LPGA's best players take part in their final day of practice. No, they came to see Clark play in the pro-am.
“It's great to have her here. We're so grateful to her for taking the time to come to our event. She's a really nice person and down to earth. . . . You can tell she's an athlete,” said tournament organizer Annika Sorenstam, who won 10 major championships during her illustrious career on the LPGA.
“I love all the young girls with this sign. There's nothing you really see on a normal Wednesday. The way she brings attention to the tournament is really great.”
Many people had arrived at the venue by 6:30 a.m. to watch Clark warm up. She teed off 30 minutes later, with a large gallery following her and world No. 1 Nelly Korda. I played on the front nine with Clark.. The former Iowa State Hawkeye standout then played the final nine holes with Sorenstam.
“It was a lot of fun. Obviously, being able to see what they're doing is something people would pay for. You could do it for free and have fun with them.” '' Clark later said.
“It's definitely a fun morning. I'm very grateful to Gainbridge (tournament sponsor) for having me here. Obviously their support for women's sport is huge. I'm very lucky and fortunate I was hanging in there. It was a good day.”
Clark, a 16-handicapper, said Tuesday that his biggest goal this week is not to break 100. Instead, she wanted to avoid hitting the fan. She almost had that moment on the par-3 third hole, when her tee shot nearly missed several spectators lined up outside the ropes. However, according to Golf Channel's Brently Romineher goal lasted eight holes after pulling a hybrid on the ninth. Her wayward shot actually caught a bystander, who walked away with a golf ball autographed by Caitlin Clark. This was a definite consolation prize for the short-term pain and possible bruising that lasted for several days.
“She was just really having fun. You can tell. She's definitely very talented. She was picking up the ball really cleanly,” Korda said of Clark.
“She was losing a few shots to the right, but I asked her how many times a week she plays. Given the amount of her obligations, I'd say she probably goes to the golf course once a week.” So, as a weekly player, she was playing really well. ”
Sorenstam agreed with Korda's assessment, adding that she “needs to play more” to improve her game. But like any player's round, Clark produced some highlights. she Holed a long putt earlywhich caused a huge fist pump from the WNBA Rookie of the Year.
But the biggest highlight of the day was the sight itself. Clark loved every moment He hugged his fans from beginning to end.. She even signed countless autographs after her round, proving that women's sports continue to grow in popularity.
“I'm so happy that she loves golf,” Korda said of Clark.
“I think there's just more interest in all women's sports, and I hope that grows from this relationship.”
It certainly will, as Wednesday's festivities further prove that point.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
