Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark recently made her golf pro-am debut, drawing attention at The ANNIKA tournament at Pelican Golf Club in Florida. The WNBA Rookie of the Year was surrounded by some of the world’s top golfers, both professional and amateur, as she stepped outside her usual basketball setting and into the world of golf. Unsurprisingly, her participation in the event has brought significant exposure to the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). As a token of appreciation for her involvement, the LPGA surprised Clark with a thoughtful gift, but the backstory behind the gesture is what made it even more special.
In 2021, while Clark was still a student at Iowa, she sent a direct message to the LPGA on Instagram, asking for an LPGA sweatshirt. For reasons unknown at the time, her message went unanswered, and she was left waiting for a response that never came. The LPGA, however, clarified that the message wasn’t ignored on purpose; it simply slipped through the cracks. Fast forward to 2024, and the LPGA finally responded to Clark’s request, sending her the sweatshirt she had wanted years ago. Although the gift arrived later than expected, Clark’s reaction showed how much she appreciated the thoughtful gesture.
The moment was shared by the LPGA on social media, with a playful acknowledgment of the delay: “We may have missed @CaitlinClark22’s DM in 2021… Better late than never, right?” The 22-year-old guard’s reaction to the surprise gift was one of genuine gratitude, showing that even a few years later, the LPGA had made good on its promise. It was a heartwarming moment, adding a personal touch to Clark’s participation in the tournament.
Clark’s day at The ANNIKA Pro-Am was a memorable one as she played alongside world No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda for the first nine holes. Korda, who is returning from a neck injury, shared the course with Clark before the young WNBA star joined golfing legend Annika Sörenstam for the back nine. Sörenstam, who is hosting the event, has long been one of the most celebrated figures in the sport, and it was a surreal moment for Clark to share the course with her.
While Clark’s focus remains on her basketball career, this foray into golf highlighted her versatility and ability to captivate audiences in multiple arenas. Fans have embraced her beyond the basketball court, and her participation in the LPGA event continues to fuel her growing influence in sports. Whether it’s basketball or golf, Caitlin Clark continues to leave her mark, and it’s clear that her impact on women’s sports extends well beyond the WNBA.
