Report: Caitlin Clark in pro-am pairing with World No. 1 Nelly Korda

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, known for her exceptional basketball talents, is set to take her love for golf to a new level by teaming up with another young superstar athlete, Nelly Korda. According to a report by Golfweek on Wednesday, Clark, the WNBA Rookie of the Year and a member of the All-WNBA first team, will participate in the pro-am competition at The Annika driven by Gainbridge, taking place on November 13 at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.

Clark, a self-professed golf enthusiast, will be playing nine holes alongside Korda, who is currently ranked as the world’s No. 1 female golfer. Korda, 26, has garnered widespread attention on the LPGA Tour this season with six victories, including an incredible streak of five consecutive wins. Despite her recent neck injury, which caused her to withdraw from two tournaments during the LPGA’s Asia swing, Korda remains one of the most dominant figures in women’s golf. Korda is a two-time winner of the Pelican event and is expected to bring added excitement to the competition.

Caitlin Clark’s passion for golf has been well documented, and she is also scheduled to play an 18-hole round during the pro-am event with Annika Sorenstam, the host of the tournament. Sorenstam, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and a 10-time major champion, is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport. The opportunity to play with such a legendary figure is a dream come true for Clark.

In an official release on October 7, Clark expressed her excitement, saying, “I love golf, so the opportunity to play in the pro-am for a tournament with a legend like Annika Sorenstam’s name on it is so exciting.” As someone who has admired the game for years, Clark’s enthusiasm for the event is evident. Beyond her athletic achievements on the court, she continues to pursue her passion for golf off the court.

As part of her involvement with Gainbridge, a company that actively supports women in sports, Clark will not only play in the pro-am but also serve as a panelist at the Women’s Leadership Summit, which will take place at the tournament site on November 14. The summit brings together influential women to discuss leadership, empowerment, and advancing opportunities for women in various fields. Clark will be joined by other Gainbridge ambassadors, including Sorenstam and tennis icon Billie Jean King, both of whom have made significant contributions to advancing women’s sports.

Reflecting on her involvement with Gainbridge, Clark said, “Gainbridge is a leader in supporting women’s sports, and that’s clear through their commitment to me, this event, Billie Jean King, and Parity Week. I’m looking forward to seeing all the LPGA players on the driving range, being part of the Women’s Leadership Summit, and, of course, teeing it up in the pro-am with Annika.”

Caitlin Clark’s growing presence in the golf world began earlier this year when she played in the pro-am at the John Deere Classic in July 2023. There, she partnered with PGA Tour professionals Zach Johnson and Ludvig Aberg, showcasing her skills on the golf course. Now, her upcoming appearance at The Annika driven by Gainbridge offers her another chance to blend her passion for basketball and golf while connecting with some of the biggest names in sports.

As she continues to shine on the basketball court and explore new opportunities in golf, Clark is solidifying herself as a versatile and influential athlete across multiple sports. Her involvement in events like these highlights the growing intersection between women’s sports and broader efforts to promote leadership, diversity, and inclusion within athletics.