On Wednesday morning at Pelican Golf Club, fans who packed the stands weren’t just there to watch the best in women’s golf—they came to see a unique blend of sports talent. Alongside golf legends like Annika Sörenstam and Nelly Korda, WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, a rising star in women’s basketball, took to the course for the Pro-Am at *The ANNIKA Driven by Gainbridge*. This special event, held as part of Parity Week, saw Clark teeing off with two of the most accomplished figures in the sport, attracting a crowd eager to catch a glimpse of the Indiana Fever player who has captured the nation’s attention.
Clark, who made waves as a star for the Iowa State Cyclones before transitioning to the WNBA, has always had a passion for sports beyond basketball. Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, she was an athlete in nearly every sense—playing soccer, softball, golf, and running track. Though basketball is her main focus, Clark still finds time to enjoy a round of golf in her off hours. Her presence at the event was a natural extension of her commitment to promoting women’s sports, as well as an opportunity for basketball and golf fans to see her in action on a different stage.
During the Pro-Am, Clark paired up with Korda for the first half of her round before finishing with Sörenstam. Despite not having the same amount of practice on the course as her fellow competitors, Clark impressed everyone with her athleticism and solid play. The crowd marveled at her impressive shots, including a few well-placed drives and putts. Korda, the world’s number one golfer, praised Clark’s natural talent and down-to-earth demeanor, noting that even with limited practice time, Clark’s skills were evident.
“I think it’s amazing that Caitlin is here,” said Sörenstam, who has been a trailblazer for women’s golf. “She’s very athletic, and you can see that she has a competitive spirit. It’s really nice to have her here, especially with the support she brings to the event. It’s good for the Tour, and it’s great for women’s sports in general.” Clark’s presence at Pelican Golf Club didn’t just highlight her abilities, but it also showcased how the boundaries between different sports are beginning to blur, with athletes like Clark using their platforms to cross-pollinate fans from various disciplines.
Clark and Korda had already connected on Instagram before the event, and their meeting in person was filled with mutual admiration. Korda was impressed with how well Clark handled the attention of the crowd and the media. “It was really fun to spend time with Caitlin,” said Korda. “She’s so relaxed and comfortable in the spotlight. You can tell she enjoys it, and she’s definitely a rising star in her own right. Seeing her interact with the fans here was really inspiring.”
For Clark, the day at Pelican wasn’t just about playing golf; it was an opportunity to further connect the worlds of women’s basketball and women’s golf, two sports she believes are vital to the broader conversation about gender equality in athletics. Clark’s influence off the court has been just as powerful as her on-court performances, as she uses her platform to elevate other women’s sports. She sees her participation in events like *The ANNIKA Driven by Gainbridge* as a step forward in building bridges between different athletic communities, reinforcing how sports bring people together.
“I’ve always loved sports because they have the power to unite people,” Clark explained. “It’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of something that brings joy to others. The experience today felt like that—a celebration of sports and women’s achievements. It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” Her involvement with the event serves as a reminder of how important it is for athletes to support one another, and how moments like these can inspire future generations of young athletes across all sports. With icons like Clark, Sörenstam, and Korda leading the way, women’s sports are gaining visibility and respect, one game, one tournament, and one collaboration at a time.
In the end, it wasn’t just about how well Caitlin Clark played on the golf course—it was about the message she sent to the world. The rising star of women’s basketball was not only embracing the challenge of stepping into the world of professional golf but was also using her status to champion the cause of equality and solidarity in women’s sports. This crossover moment between golf and basketball is just one of many, and it serves as a powerful example of the growing influence women athletes are having across different arenas.