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 totally different.
Hundreds of followers flocked to The Pelican Golf Membership in Bellair, Florida, the location of this week’s ANNIKA, the penultimate occasion of the 2024 LPGA season. However followers have been there to not watch the LPGA’s greatest 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 particular person, right down to earth. She’s an athlete, you’ll be able to inform,” stated Annika Sorenstam, the event host who received 10 main championships throughout her illustrious LPGA profession.
“I like all of the younger women with the indicators. Nothing we might actually see on a traditional Wednesday. It’s simply nice how she brings consideration to the event.”
Many have been on-site as early as 6:30 a.m. to observe Clark warmup. She teed off half-hour later, with an enormous 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 received to do it totally free and have enjoyable with them,” Clark stated after.
“Undoubtedly 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 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 virtually drilled just a few spectators lined outdoors the ropes. However based on 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 stable 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 possibly can inform. She’s positively very proficient. She was choosing the ball actually clear,” Korda stated of Clark.
“She was dropping a few photographs to the fitting, however I requested her what number of instances every week she performs, and I feel with the quantity of obligations she has, she in all probability will get to the golf course as soon as every week. So for taking part in as soon as every week, she was taking part in 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 a protracted putt early, which elicited an enormous fist pump from the WNBA’s reigning Rookie of the 12 months.
But, the largest spotlight of the day was your entire 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 like that she has a love for the sport of golf,” Korda stated of Clark.
“I feel 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 workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By. You’ll want to take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.
