Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, is set to make her much-anticipated LPGA debut this Wednesday. After an outstanding first season in the WNBA, Clark is currently enjoying her offseason, which has sparked excitement among fans as she embarks on a new adventure in the world of golf. She will take part in her first pro-am, playing nine holes with world No. 1 Nelly Korda, followed by another nine-hole round alongside legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam.
Clark's love for Golf
Clark's newfound passion for golf has been making headlines. While some fans have speculated whether she is stepping away from basketball to pursue a career in golf, Clark has made it clear that her basketball career remains her priority. The 22-year-old is simply enjoying her offseason hobby, not leaving the WNBA behind.
Her basketball journey over the past year has been intense. Clark’s season began in November 2023 with her final NCAA campaign with the Iowa Hawkeyes. That was followed by her impressive WNBA rookie season, which lasted well into September. Clark’s Indiana Fever made the playoffs, facing the Connecticut Sun in the first round before being eliminated.
Between the intense basketball schedule and the occasional time off, Clark hasn’t had much of a break. With the end of the Fever’s playoff run, she began exploring new interests, including her growing passion for golf. As Clark put it after the Fever's playoff exit: "Maybe play some golf. That's what I'm gonna do until it gets cold in Indiana ... I'll become a professional golfer."
Golf has long been a passion for Clark. She’s expressed her love for the sport during previous appearances, including at the 2023 John Deere Classic pro-am, where she impressed spectators with her swing. "I’m a big fan of golf. I love to play it and be around it," Clark said at the time, noting that she watches the PGA Tour every Sunday. “I think it’s just really fun. Every Sunday, I usually have the TV on and am watching (the PGA TOUR).”
Clark’s participation in the pro-am was not just about playing golf, but also about interacting with young fans. “More than anything else, this was about enjoying the experience. It’s just cool getting to interact with the young kids who were here today. I was trying to make as much time as I could to sign an autograph, or give them a ball or a high five because that goes a long way," she said.
As she makes her LPGA debut, Caitlin Clark's golfing journey is already drawing significant attention, with Golf Channel planning to increase coverage of Wednesday’s event in response to the buzz around her participation. While basketball remains her main focus, Clark's exploration of golf is providing fans with an exciting glimpse into her diverse talents during the offseason.
