Although The Annika has not yet started on the LPGA Tour, Wednesday's Pro-Am attracted more than just weekend visitors to Pelican golf Club in Belleair, Florida. World No. 1 Nelly Korda and WNBA rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark were the star attractions as the two superstars teamed up for nine holes of fun in the morning.
“It was great to see how relaxed she was,” Korda said. “Given the media attention she's probably received in the last year and a half, two years, you can obviously see how comfortable she is playing in front of a larger audience.
“And she just really enjoyed it. You notice that. She is definitely very talented. She hit the ball really cleanly. She's lost a few shots on the right side, but I asked her how many times a week she plays.” And I think with the amount of commitments she has, she probably goes to the golf course once a week. So she played really well.
Korda obviously knows the game well, having recently been named the 2024 Player of the Year herself thanks to six wins, including a second major title at The Chevron. Meanwhile, Clark was finishing up her big rookie campaign with the Indiana Fever, enjoying some time off after a grueling transition from the collegiate to the professional level.
“Unfortunately, no,” Clark said when asked if she learned much from the trip. “I watch and she was great, but golf is hard. It's hard to repeat that so quickly. She was incredible and also really cool, someone I've been watching and following for a while. It's fun to be out here. “I can see up close how she does things, just so smooth and really good at what she does.”
While Korda's day on the course was over after nine holes, Clark's day was just beginning as her second Pro-Am partner was none other than tournament director Annika Sorenstam. After sharing the stage for an introductory press conference on Tuesday evening, the two took a stroll along the inner half of Pelican Golf Club.
“I think it’s great for women’s sports,” Korda said. “I think it’s great that she has a love of golf. Honestly, I never really watched basketball before her. I think this will only increase interest in all women's sports. I hope that's what comes out of this relationship.”