Caitlin Clark, basketball prodigy, walking highlight reel, and now—wait for it—aspiring golf sensation? That’s right. The Iowa Hawkeye legend and current WNBA Rookie of the Year is trading three-pointers for tee shots as she tees it up at the LPGA’s Annika driven by Gainbridge Pro-Am at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. And if there’s one thing we know about Clark, she doesn’t do average.
From the Hardwood to the Fairway
Clark’s first group out on Wednesday will see her paired with none other than world No. 1 Nelly Korda and tournament host Annika Sorenstam. That’s like an up-and-coming chef cooking side-by-side with Gordon Ramsay and Julia Child—no pressure, right? Expect Clark to bring her signature swagger, whether she’s sinking birdies or scrambling for bogeys.
While her exact golf handicap remains a mystery (like Bigfoot or why people think pineapple belongs on pizza), Clark claims to shoot in the low 80s. Not too shabby for someone who’s been spending more time draining shots in packed arenas than lining up putts on quiet greens.
The Pro-Am Show: Now Featuring Caitlin’s Walk-and-Talk
The Golf Channel and NBC Sports are going all out to showcase Clark’s journey from the warm-up range to her on-course antics. There’s even a live-streamed walk-and-talk segment. Imagine Clark casually chatting about basketball while trying to sink a 12-foot putt. Who knows? She might even pull a Happy Gilmore and trash-talk her golf ball.
And for those who can’t get enough, the Golf Today studio show will air live at 11 a.m. ET, featuring highlights, analysis, and what we can only hope are some spicy soundbites from Clark herself.
Almost an Ace: Caitlin’s Close Call
Golf might still be a side gig for Clark, but she’s no slouch. A recent viral video captured her coming this close to a hole-in-one, which prompted her to joke about turning pro in the offseason. Who needs rest and recovery when you could be chasing flags?
Her basketball offseason agenda? “Play golf and maybe become a professional golfer,” she quipped. Don’t be surprised if next year’s WNBA schedule is littered with golf course stops. Somebody get her an endorsement deal already!
Women’s Leadership Summit: Clark Gets Candid
Before she tees it up on Wednesday, Clark will join Annika Sorenstam for a fireside chat at Tuesday’s Women’s Leadership Summit. Think TED Talk, but with golf balls and personal brand-building thrown in. Other speakers include fashion mogul Kathy Ireland and health sector heavyweights like Stephanie Conners and Meredith Ryan-Reid.
The summit promises to explore what it means to be “self-made,” a theme Clark embodies every time she steps on the court—or now, the course. Who better to dish out wisdom than a 22-year-old who’s already rewriting record books?
Fore! Fun Awaits
Whether Clark crushes it on the course or spends half her round in the rough, one thing’s for sure: she’ll do it with her trademark flair. So grab your coffee, settle in, and watch as Caitlin Clark proves she’s just as fearless on the fairway as she is beyond the arc.