Caitlin Clark is no stranger to large crowds, given her time in the spotlight as a decorated basketball player in college and now the WNBA.
Clark found herself to be the center of attention once again on Wednesday, this time playing golf alongside top-ranked Nelly Korda and tournament host Annika Sorenstam at the LPGA Tour pro-am event in Belleair, Fla.
Clark, 22, was up bright and early and testing her mettle at the Pelican Golf Club, and there was a crowd estimated to be over 1,000 people following her every shot.
The Indiana Fever star and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year appeared to have fun at every turn, providing self-deprecating humor along the way. She even did her best to put a good spin after an errant shot hit a fan on the par-3 ninth hole.
“Thanks for the good kick, whoever I hit,” she said.
For the record, Clark autographed the ball and apologized to the fan, who walked away with a story to tell.
The misfire aside, Clark brandished a smile throughout her experience on Wednesday — a sign that perhaps she’s enjoying her first offseason in quite some time.
“It’s nice, but at the same time I’m still so busy,” Clark said. “I got to get things done that I haven’t been able to do during basketball season. Everybody thinks I have a bunch of free time, but I have been busy, been doing stuff. I like to keep myself in a routine and working out, whatever it is. It’s been a lot of fun and I enjoyed it.”
Korda said she enjoyed her time with Clark on Wednesday, going so far as to say that it “felt like two friends hanging out.”
Then, Korda focused on a bigger picture.
“It’s just great for women’s sports,” she said. “I love that she has a love for the game of golf. I’ve never really tuned in to watching basketball before her, honestly. So, I think it’s just growing the interest in all women’s sports, and I hope that’s what grows from this relationship.”
–Field Level Media