Caitlin Clark entertains the crowds at the 2023 John Deere Classic Pro-Am.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The “Caitlin Clark Effect” is heading to the LPGA Tour.
Clark, the newly minted WNBA Rookie of the Year, played a major role in increasing the popularity of women's basketball, and women's sports in general, during her record-breaking collegiate career at the University of Iowa. The Iowa native won national player of the year honors twice on his way to becoming the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer.
The WNBA playoffs are set to begin this week, but Clark and the Indiana Fever were eliminated in the first round by the Connecticut Sun. Clark, an avid golfer, had previously said he would be spending more time on the golf course in less time.
In mid-November, the weather may be too cold for golf in Indiana, but there's a good chance there will be excellent golfing weather at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Fla., where Clark will tee it up at The Annika LPGA event.
On Monday, the LPGA announced that Clark will participate in Wednesday's pro-am at The Annika, hosted by LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, on November 13. Clark is a brand ambassador for Gainbridge, the presenting sponsor of the LPGA U – Annika.
Pebble Beach drama, Caitlin Clark's golf game, bachelorette content | Rogers report
Claire Rogers
“I love golf so the opportunity to play a pro-am in a tournament with a legend like Annika Sorenstam's name on it is very exciting,” Clark said in a press release. “Gainbridge is a leader in supporting women's sports and that is clear from their commitment to me, this event, Billie Jean King, and Parity Week. I'm looking forward to seeing all the LPGA players in the driving field, being a part of the Women's Leadership Conference, and, of course, putting it together with Annika.”
Sorenstam also expressed his happiness with Clark's involvement in the competition he hosts.
“I've been following Caitlin's career in college and now on the WNBA stage, and what she's doing to bring attention to women's sports on and off the court is outstanding,” Sorenstam said in the release. “I'm very excited to meet Caitlin and have her join us at Pelican Golf Club in November for an exciting week of women's sports.”
But that's not all Clark will do to Annika. She will also be the featured artist at the Women's Leadership Conference that will be held the night before the pro-am.
Clark has experience playing in pro golf events. In 2023, he participated in the pro-am at the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic, playing with fellow Iowan Zach Johnson.
Source link
