After a historic rookie season, the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark is gearing up for another challenge — but no, it’s not quitting the WNBA for a full-time golf career, as some wild rumors suggested. That, apparently, was all just a misunderstanding, thanks to Clark’s own sense of humor.
You know, a joke? The kind where you say something absurd, and people laugh? Well, in Clark’s case, her quip about going pro in golf didn’t quite land the way she hoped. In fact, it’s landed her smack in the middle of bizarre speculation that she’s planning to swap her basketball sneakers for golf spikes. But the superstar guard, known for sinking ridiculous three-pointers, is not about to trade in her signature shot for a golf swing anytime soon.
Clark, with a smirk, cleared the air during a press conference ahead of her participation in an upcoming pro-am event. “I set myself up for failure!” she said, likely rolling her eyes at the absurdity of it all.
It turns out, Caitlin was never going to moonlight as a pro golfer. Her offseason focus? Sure, it’s golf — but only in the way normal human beings “focus” on hobbies they’re terrible at. “I can hit it,” she admitted about her golf game, “it just doesn’t usually go straight.” So, for those wondering, the fever pitch around her alleged golf career was a bit premature — okay, way premature.
Her golfing partner this week, Nelly Korda, and legend Annika Sorenstam, are pros in the literal sense. As for Clark? Well, she’s just hoping to avoid completely embarrassing herself. Her goal? Finish under 100 strokes. Lofty expectations, right?
For anyone keeping score at home, Clark is not about to take over the LPGA any time soon. Despite being a fan of the game and an occasional weekend warrior on the course, her true passion still lies on the basketball court. “That was a joke,” Clark reiterated about her ‘going pro in golf’ comment, deadpan. And just like that, the dream of Caitlin Clark, the dual-sport phenom, vanishes into the sand trap.
Even though she’s not going pro (or anywhere near) on the golf course, Clark’s got some game. In fact, she nearly nailed a hole-in-one during a casual round in October with Indiana Fever teammate Lexie Hull, sparking momentary awe and maybe a few curse words from the bystanders. Not bad for someone who admits her ball rarely goes straight!
While her pro-am run at “The Annika” from November 14-17 at The Pelican Club in Florida will be more fun than serious competition, Clark’s offseason is all about staying sharp on the basketball court. Coming off a stunning rookie season, the WNBA’s new golden girl is determined to avoid that infamous “sophomore slump.” And if her basketball acumen is anything like her self-awareness in golf, the Fever’s new head coach, Stephanie White, has absolutely nothing to worry about.
So, if anyone thought Clark was ready to ditch the hardwood for a full-time gig on the fairway, think again. “I’m sticking to basketball,” she said firmly. And honestly? For the sake of the Indiana Fever’s playoff chances — and Clark’s golf scorecard — that’s probably for the best.