Caitlin Clark is stepping back into the spotlight, but it's not on the basketball court. After a season cut short by injury, she's trading her sneakers for golf shoes! This is big news for fans eager to see her back in action. But here's the catch: it's on the green, not the hardwood.
The Indiana Fever sensation is set to participate in The ANNIKA Pro-Am on November 12th at the Pelican Golf Course in Tampa, Florida, tournament officials announced Thursday. This marks her second consecutive year playing in the event, and she'll be joining forces with LPGA stars Nelly Korda and the legendary Annika Sorenstam herself. Imagine the pressure!
The ANNIKA Pro-Am is a significant event, serving as one of the final LPGA competitions of the season. What makes it even better for fans? It's open to the public, offering a chance to witness Clark's golf skills up close. The tournament is hosted by Sorenstam and proudly sponsored by Gainbridge.
Now, you might be wondering, what's the Gainbridge connection? Well, it's a crucial one. Clark is a Gainbridge ambassador, a sponsorship deal that extends to the Fever's home arena, which bears the Gainbridge name. It's a testament to her marketability and the company's commitment to women's sports.
In her own words, Clark expressed her enthusiasm: "I had an amazing time at The ANNIKA last November and participating in the Pro-Am alongside Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam, two of the best in the game. I’m honored to be an ambassador for a company in Gainbridge that is so committed to elevating women’s sports. I can’t wait to return to Tampa in November to play in the Pro-Am with the best women golfers in the world.”
Clark's passion for golf is no secret. She's been known to enjoy the sport during the WNBA offseason, playing at courses around Indianapolis and across the country. Her previous participation in the pro-am alongside Korda and Sorenstam in November 2024 further solidifies her dedication to the game.
Annika Sorenstam also shared her excitement: “It was an honor to play in the pro-am with Caitlin last year. The crowds were amazing, and we are excited for her return to The ANNIKA in November,” Sorenstam said. “She added such a great dynamic to our event, and her passion for golf and competitiveness were fun to witness firsthand. I look forward to having her back and continuing to introduce the great game of golf to the next generation.”
And this is the part most people miss: this Pro-Am appearance marks Clark's first public sporting event since her season-ending injury back on July 15th. That injury, a groin strain, combined with a left ankle sprain on August 7th, prematurely ended her promising second season.
The 2024 Rookie of the Year was plagued by injuries, limiting her to just 13 games in 2025. Despite the setbacks, she managed to average an impressive 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. It begs the question: what could she have achieved with a full, healthy season?
While Clark has ruled out participating in offseason leagues like 5-on-5 Athletes Unlimited or 3-on-3 Unrivaled, she's laser-focused on regaining her full strength. But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans might argue that she should be prioritizing basketball training over golf, especially after an injury-ridden season. What do you think?
However, basketball is not entirely off the table during the off-season. While no official announcement has been made, she hopes to join USA Basketball for a World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in March.
So, what are your thoughts? Are you excited to see Caitlin Clark back in action on the golf course? Do you think focusing on golf is a good way for her to recover and prepare for the next WNBA season, or should she be dedicating all her time to basketball? Share your opinions in the comments below!
