Caitlin Clark's LPGA appearance at The Annika will come before the cameras.
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It didn't take the LPGA and the Golf Channel long to learn the new sports television rule.
In fact, it didn't take long at all.
The law? When Caitlin Clark is in front of the cameras, start rolling.
Clark, a 22-year-old WNBA star, has sparked a rare breed of celebrity in the sports world. The audience flocks and attention follows him everywhere. And, with the WNBA in its off-season, that means the audience and attention is flowing to some of Clark's less-than-professional activities, such as her pro-am appearance at next week's LPGA event, the Annika.
In accordance with SBJ data The Golf Channel's Josh Carpenter will be extending its coverage from the Pelican Golf Club to the WNBA All-Star Pro-Am round, which will air 90 minutes early, at 11 a.m., to feature live highlights and highlights, which will be split between nine . holes with Nelly Korda and nine holes with Sorenstam. In addition to Golf Channel's coverage, the LPGA will also strengthen its social media coverage to provide live updates from the Clark range in the morning hours.
Why are the LPGA and Golf Channel changing their broadcast schedules to give more air time to Caitlin Clark's appearance? Well, if you haven't seen some of Clark's action over the past few years between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Indiana Fever, we'll let Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley fill in some of the blanks on your behalf.
“I think that every once in a while someone comes along who will take over the world of sports. And I say 'sports world' because it really goes beyond basketball,” Ridley said at his annual state-of-the-state press conference at Augusta National last April. “I mean, the way Caitlin plays the game, her passion, her energy, it just captures the imagination of the fans.”
Of course the LPGA hopes that aligning Clark with its brand will help raise waves for both parties, but Clark's success will shine a light on his partner on the front nine. Nelly Korda came off one of the hottest performances you've ever seen in the winter and spring of 2024, reeling off five straight victories including a major championship, but she was the subject of extensive discussion about marketing efforts and “star behavior” for months to come.
Korda, on the other hand, increased his popularity in a big way in '24 both on and off the course. He has become a regular contributor to media events, attending the Met Gala, and more recently, begging Sports Illustrated swimming issue.
It may not be enough to reach the level of amazing skills once captured by Tiger Woods, and now by Clark, but as Ridley showed in April, there is more to the story than strength.
“We have to keep trying. There are many things we need to do. We will continue to think about that, explore ways,” said Ridley. “But I think it's kind of a unicorn, actually, we need more unicorns for that.”
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