Heading into The ANNIKA, it appeared that the biggest superstar set to tee it up at Pelican Golf Club was Caitlin Clark, with the WNBA hero playing alongside both Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam during the Pro-Am.
It seemed to be a huge coup for The ANNIKA and the LPGA to have Caitlin Clark involved. She is one of the most famous sportspeople on the planet right now. And the LPGA were praised for having Clark playing alongside Korda in the Pro-Am.
The impact of Clark’s presence was clear to see. There were huge crowds watching on as she teed it up with the best player in the world. And it was hoped that Clark’s involvement would inspire Korda as she continues to break into the mainstream herself.
But it would ultimately take Korda just a handful of days to wrestle the spotlight back from Clark. Korda produced a stunning round on Sunday to win The ANNIKA for the third time in her career. It was also her seventh win of the season.
Caitlin Clark reacts as Nelly Korda wins The ANNIKA
Even Charley Hull was blown away by Korda’s birdie run on the back nine, with the European one of those who finished in a tie for second in Florida.
It seems ridiculous to say, but it was almost a victory Korda needed after all six of her wins this year had come before the end of May. But it was an emphatic reminder of why she is one of the biggest stars in the entire game.
Korda has since taken to Instagram to comment on her win. And it is telling what Clark, of all people, decided to label the world number one in response…
Elsewhere, Olivia Cowan – who finished tied for eighth at the event – said Korda was ‘crushing it’, and fellow LPGA player Emma Talley described the two-time major champion as a ‘superstar’.
A huge victory for the LPGA
The LPGA probably could not have wished for a better week. Clark seemed to bring so much attention to the tournament – one week ahead of the season finale. And they got all sorts of drama on Sunday as Korda emerged from out of the pack to win in style.
There were issues. Korda expressed her frustration after finishing the third round in darkness, while Hull criticised the levels of slow play. But it was the kind of event which could have real long-term benefits for the game, with both Clark and Korda more than playing their parts.
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