The hype surrounding WNBA celebrity Caitlin Clark is aware of no bounds.
And time and time once more, she continues to shine brighter than the buildup and ship a rewarding expertise for followers. Wednesday was no completely different.
1000’s of followers flocked to The Pelican Golf Membership in Bellair, Florida, the positioning of this week’s ANNIKA, the penultimate occasion of the 2024 LPGA season. However followers have been there to not watch the LPGA’s finest get their final day of follow in; no, they got here to look at Clark play within the Professional-Am.
“It’s nice that she’s right here. Very grateful to her to take the time to be a part of our occasion. She’s only a very nice particular person, right down to earth. She’s an athlete, you may inform,” mentioned Annika Sorenstam, the match host who received 10 main championships throughout her illustrious LPGA profession.
“I really like all of the younger ladies with the indicators. Nothing we’d actually see on a standard Wednesday. It’s simply nice how she brings consideration to the match.”
Many have been on-site as early as 6:30 a.m. to look at Clark warmup. She teed off half-hour later, with a large gallery following her and World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who performed the entrance 9 with Clark. The previous Iowa Hawkeye standout then performed the ultimate 9 holes with Sorenstam.
“It was so enjoyable. Clearly, attending to see them do what they do up entrance is like individuals would pay for that. I acquired to do it free of charge and have enjoyable with them,” Clark mentioned after.
“Undoubtedly a enjoyable morning. Really feel very grateful that Gainbridge (match sponsor) had me out right here. Clearly, their assist for ladies’s sports activities is great. Very fortunate and lucky. Hung in there; did all proper. It was a great day.”
A 16-handicapper, Clark revealed on Tuesday that her largest objective for the week was not breaking 100; as a substitute, she wished to keep away from hitting a fan. She got here near doing so on the par-3 third gap, the place her tee shot nearly drilled just a few spectators lined exterior the ropes. However in response to Brentley Romine of the Golf Channel, her objective lasted eight holes after she tugged her hybrid on the ninth. Her wayward shot did catch a bystander, who walked away with a Caitlin Clark-signed golf ball—a strong comfort prize for a fast dose of ache and a bruise that will final just a few days.
“She was simply actually having fun with it. You’ll be able to inform. She’s positively very gifted. She was choosing the ball actually clear,” Korda mentioned of Clark.
“She was dropping a few photographs to the fitting, however I requested her what number of instances per week she performs, and I believe with the quantity of obligations she has, she in all probability will get to the golf course as soon as per week. So for enjoying as soon as per week, she was enjoying very well.”
Sorenstam agreed with Korda’s evaluation, including that she “simply must play” extra to enhance her sport. However as with every participant’s spherical, Clark did produce some highlights. She holed an extended putt early, which elicited a large fist pump from the WNBA’s reigning Rookie of the Yr.
But, the most important spotlight of the day was all the spectacle itself. Clark liked each second and embraced the followers all through. She even signed numerous autographs after her spherical, proving that ladies’s sports activities proceed to soar in reputation.
“I really like that she has a love for the sport of golf,” Korda mentioned of Clark.
“I believe it’s simply rising the curiosity in all of girls’s sports activities. I hope that’s what grows from this relationship.”
It little question will, as Wednesday’s festivities are additional proof of that time.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By. Make sure to try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.
