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 totally different.
1000’s 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 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 particular person, right down to earth. She’s an athlete, you’ll be able to inform,” mentioned Annika Sorenstam, the event host who gained 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 folks would pay for that. I bought 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 a very good day.”
A 16-handicapper, Clark revealed on Tuesday that her largest aim for the week was not breaking 100; as an alternative, 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 a couple of spectators lined exterior the ropes. However in keeping with Brentley Romine of the Golf Channel, her aim 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 which will final a couple of days.
“She was simply actually having fun with it. You may inform. She’s undoubtedly very proficient. She was choosing the ball actually clear,” Korda mentioned of Clark.
“She was shedding a few pictures to the suitable, however I requested her what number of instances per 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 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 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 the whole spectacle itself. Clark cherished each second and embraced the followers all through. She even signed numerous autographs after her spherical, proving that girls’s sports activities proceed to soar in reputation.
“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 Enjoying By. Make sure to take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.