Caitlin Clark Shines at LPGA Tour as a Basketball Star Takes on Golf

Caitlin Clark, the WNBA sensation, made waves at the LPGA Tour during the Pelican Golf Club Pro-Am event on Wednesday morning. Although not a professional golfer, Clark’s presence captivated thousands of fans and created an unforgettable atmosphere at the tournament. Here’s a look at her remarkable day on the golf course.

Caitlin Clark’s Impressive Entrance and Influence on the LPGA Tour

At 6:30 a.m., the anticipation was palpable as the LPGA and tournament organizers hoped for a smooth start to the event. Then, just 19 minutes before her tee time, Caitlin Clark casually strolled to the driving range in her full Nike gear. Despite a few mishits at first, she soon found her rhythm, launching powerful drives into the morning sky. Standing alongside Annika Sörenstam and Nelly Korda, the number one golfer in the world, Clark became the center of attention as she stepped onto the first tee box with a 16 handicap.

Caitlin Clark’s Golf Swing: Relatable Yet Impressive

Despite being a newcomer to competitive golf, Caitlin Clark’s athleticism shines through in her golf swing. Her technique revealed typical challenges faced by amateur golfers—like not loading properly into her left side and struggling to square the clubface early. According to golf coach Dana Dahlquist, these are common issues for non-professional players, but Clark’s elite athleticism allows her to recover and still generate impressive clubhead speed, consistently driving the ball nearly 20 yards behind Korda’s average distance of 269 yards off the tee.

From Basketball to Golf: Caitlin Clark’s Growing Passion for the Sport

Clark’s journey into golf started with a pink set of junior clubs in Iowa, where she played with her father while watching Rory McIlroy on TV. Now, she’s upgraded to Callaway clubs and has been taking lessons with former LPGA pro Martha Foyer-Faulconer. Despite the busy basketball season, Clark expressed her desire to pursue golf more seriously in the offseason—not necessarily for professional competition, but for fun and personal challenge. Her goal? To compete with friends for bragging rights.

Caitlin Clark: A Natural Golfer with a Strong Competitive Spirit

One of the most surprising aspects of Caitlin Clark’s golf game was her ability to shrug off bad shots with a laugh. Even after a shanked tee shot on the third hole that sent part of the crowd ducking, she remained calm and continued playing with a smile. Her competitiveness, known from her basketball days, was evident, but she also embraced the fun and challenge of the game. As Clark put it, “I’m just the average golfer. I’m going to hit some good, I’m going to hit some bad. It is what it is.”

LPGA Tour and Caitlin Clark: A Perfect Fit for Golf and Basketball Fans

Clark’s participation in the LPGA Tour is a breath of fresh air for the sport, bridging the gap between professional basketball and golf. Unlike some celebrity appearances that feel forced, Caitlin’s passion for golf is authentic. From casually chatting about Pebble Beach as her dream course to cleaning the grooves of her irons with a tee, she demonstrated that she’s truly invested in the game. Her presence also had a powerful effect on the LPGA community, with LPGA pros lining up to take selfies with her as she walked the course.

Conclusion: Caitlin Clark’s Lasting Impact on the LPGA Tour and Beyond

Caitlin Clark is not just a rising star in the WNBA, but she’s also making waves in the world of golf. Her casual yet determined approach to the game has made her a fan favorite and a source of inspiration for many. Although her golf journey is just beginning, Clark’s participation in the LPGA Pro-Am has proved that her influence transcends sports. As she continues to challenge herself in golf, Caitlin Clark is surely a name to watch in both basketball and golf circles.