Caitlin Clark returns to the ANNIKA/Gainbridge Pro-Am, sharing the course with golf legends Annika Sorenstam and Nelly Korda, reflecting on her experience learning from them and the impact on her growth in sports.
Clark, who missed part of the 2025 WNBA season due to injuries, embraced the chance to compete in golf as a way to challenge herself outside of basketball, and her return to the Pro-Am is both a professional and personal milestone.
In a candid interview ahead of the event, the Indiana Fever‘s sensational guard spoke about playing alongside Sorenstam and Korda last year.
“Yeah, it was, I mean, two people that I’ve loved watching,” Clark said. “Get to play golf.
“And Annika is obviously just a legend in the sport. Everything that she’s done for the sport has been absolutely tremendous.
“But also just getting to see their game up close and how easy golf is for them. It makes me incredibly jealous.”
Clark described trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible from the two legends as she took to the green herself.
“I was trying to learn a few tips from them, the best I can. But honestly, just a really fun and unique experience for myself,” Caitlin concluded, as her corporate partnership with Gainbridge Insurance, the main sponsor of the Pro-Am, makes this event a professional obligation.
Yet the 23-year-old basketballer’s enthusiasm comes through as she prepares to share the course with top-tier players once again.
Clark makes a lasting impression on Annika Sorenstam
Last year, Clark spent the first nine holes with Nelly Korda as a clip from the event showed Korda autographing three golf balls for the hooper, jokingly asking for a signed basketball in return.
Clark promised to follow up and then for the back nine, she partnered with Annika, who expressed excitement about Caitlin‘s return, showing the impression she managed to make.
“It was an honor to play in the pro-am with Caitlin last year,” Sorenstam said. “The crowds were amazing, and we are excited for her return to The ANNIKA in November.
“She added such a great dynamic to our event, and her passion for golf and competitiveness were fun to witness firsthand.
“I look forward to having her back and continuing to introduce the great game of golf to the next generation.”
Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, praised Clark‘s impact as she continues to become one of the United States’ most commonly known names and most popular athletes across the nation.
“We’ve had athletes in the past, but we’ve never had someone so young who legitimately has transformed the game, and the economics and the business of the game.”
Beyond golf, Clark has expanded her influence off the court as she recently became the youngest pro female athlete to headline the Long Island Association Fall Luncheon, joining a roster previously including Michael Strahan, Derek Jeter, and Peyton Manning.
Clark discussed her basketball journey, business mindset, and personal brand strategy at the event, which contributed to her NIL being valued at approximately $3.1 million during her college years.
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