When Caitlin Clark teed off at the prestigious The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge ProAm at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, the spotlight wasn’t solely on the two-time WNBA All-Star.
Alongside Clark on the fairway were two of her Indiana Fever teammates, Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull, who embraced the role of celebrity caddies for the day. Their appearance added a unique twist to the event, giving fans a glimpse of Clark’s support system beyond the basketball court.
Clark’s participation marked her return to the event for a second consecutive year, and it did not go unnoticed. Golf Channel broadcasted her round live from 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, providing fans across the country the opportunity to watch the Indiana Fever star navigate the course.
Her growing presence in golf events highlights the expanding influence of athletes who excel in multiple arenas, proving that skills and charisma can cross sporting boundaries.
For Cunningham, donning the caddie outfit – complete with her name and WNBA jersey number – added a playful and personal touch to the experience. She joked ahead of the teeoff, “Hopefully they’re not too serious, because I’ll get kicked out of the group.”
This lighthearted approach contrasted with the more traditional role of caddying, showcasing Cunningham’s fun-loving personality while reinforcing the strong camaraderie between her and Clark.
From hardwood to fairway: Cunningham takes center stage
Cunningham’s presence on the golf course also reflects her evolving role within the Fever franchise. In her first season with Indiana, she averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game before a torn MCL prematurely ended her campaign. Her future remains uncertain as an unrestricted free agent, but there’s little doubt that several teams will be interested in acquiring her talents.
Her day as a caddie, however, was a reminder that athletes are more than their statistics-they are personalities with interests and passions beyond their primary sport.
On the course, Cunningham focused less on performance and more on the experience, embracing the fun of the event. She even took a swing, joking that she felt like a “Happy Gilmore” character as her ball soared into the gallery.
Meanwhile, Clark displayed the poise and precision that make her an elite athlete, delivering steady drives and sinking impressive putts, proving she can perform under pressure both on hardwood and fairway.
This crossover moment, elite basketball players stepping into a golf proam with teammates as caddies, offers a refreshing narrative. It highlights the personalities behind the athletes, the strong bonds within the Fever roster, and the broader trend of players engaging with fans in unique, off-court settings.
For fans of women’s sports, the sight of Cunningham and Hull supporting Clark adds depth and humanity to the story, showing that teamwork and friendship extend far beyond basketball.
By blending skill, fun, and camaraderie, the event illustrated that athleticism, humor, and personality can intersect in delightful ways. The ANNIKA Pro-Am provided a stage not just for golf, but for athletes to showcase their multidimensional talents, leaving a memorable impression on everyone watching.
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