The hype surrounding WNBA famous person 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.
Hundreds 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 had been there to not watch the LPGA’s finest get their final day of follow in; no, they got here to observe 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 individual, all the way down to earth. She’s an athlete, you may inform,” mentioned Annika Sorenstam, the event host who gained 10 main championships throughout her illustrious LPGA profession.
“I like all of the younger ladies with the indicators. Nothing we might actually see on a standard Wednesday. It’s simply nice how she brings consideration to the event.”
Many had been on-site as early as 6:30 a.m. to observe 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 folks would pay for that. I acquired to do it without cost and have enjoyable with them,” Clark mentioned after.
“Positively a enjoyable morning. Really feel very grateful that Gainbridge (event sponsor) had me out right here. Clearly, their help for ladies’s sports activities is great. Very fortunate and lucky. Hung in there; did all proper. It was an excellent day.”
A 16-handicapper, Clark revealed on Tuesday that her largest purpose 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 virtually drilled a number of spectators lined outdoors the ropes. However in response to Brentley Romine of the Golf Channel, her purpose 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 a number of days.
“She was simply actually having fun with it. You’ll be able to inform. She’s undoubtedly very gifted. She was choosing the ball actually clear,” Korda mentioned of Clark.
“She was shedding a few photographs to the correct, however I requested her what number of occasions every week she performs, and I feel with the quantity of obligations she has, she most likely will get to the golf course as soon as every week. So for taking part in as soon as every week, she was enjoying rather well.”
Sorenstam agreed with Korda’s evaluation, including that she “simply must play” extra to enhance her recreation. However as with all participant’s spherical, Clark did produce some highlights. She holed a protracted putt early, which elicited a large fist pump from the WNBA’s reigning Rookie of the 12 months.
But, the largest spotlight of the day was the complete spectacle itself. Clark beloved 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 recognition.
“I like that she has a love for the sport of golf,” Korda mentioned of Clark.
“I feel it’s simply rising the curiosity in all of ladies’s sports activities. I hope that’s what grows from this relationship.”
It little doubt will, as Wednesday’s festivities are additional proof of that time.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. Be sure you try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.
