The LPGA will take centre stage this week, with Nelly Korda set to make her return to action at The ANNIKA in the penultimate event in the Race to CME Globe.
But perhaps Nelly Korda – who has been sidelined with injury in recent weeks – will somehow not be the biggest name teeing it up at Pelican Golf Club, with one of her playing partners in the Pro-Am likely to steal the show.
Korda, who is playing alongside tournament host Annika Sorenstam, has won the event twice in the four years in which it has been played. Meanwhile, Sorenstam’s record speaks for itself, with 10 major titles only telling part of the story when it comes to her legacy within the game.
But it is the world number one’s other playing partner who may perhaps attract the most attention, with WNBA star Caitlin Clark joining Korda and Sorenstam in the Pro-Am. Clark has previously played in the Pro-Am at the 2023 John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour.
LPGA praised for Caitlin Clark decision ahead of The ANNIKA
And speaking to Golf Channel, Beth Ann Nichols praised the LPGA for capitalising on the star power they have this week in Florida.
“Absolutely. I can’t remember a time I was this excited for a Pro-Am. I plan to be out there at 6am to watch the warm-up session. That’s the only drawback, that she is teeing off at 7am. But I’m thrilled, you know, common sense doesn’t always prevail with the LPGA, and I’m thrilled that it has in the case that we have world number one Nelly Korda playing alongside Caitlin as well as Annika Sörenstam of course, the tournament host,” she said.
“And I’m just really looking forward because when we’re watching a basketball game, it’s so fast-paced. Golf, we’re going to get so many hours to watch her up close, see how she interacts with fans, see how she reacts to good and bad shots, how she interacts with the LPGA players and other members of the Pro-Am group. I think it’s going to be a unique opportunity for fans of Caitlin Clark to see her in another light and I can’t wait to see how many young kids and families are out there.”
Does Caitlin Clark have an official golf handicap?
Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest name in women’s basketball right now, but she is also a very decent golfer having played since the age of six.
However, it appears that the 22-year-old does not have an official handicap. Golf Digest reported in 2023 that she can shoot in the low 80s. And given how competitive she is, it would not be a surprise if she has improved considerably since then.
It will be interesting to see what impact her presence has on the amount of interest there is at The ANNIKA this week, particularly with Korda returning. There will be plenty of golf fans who would rather watch the LPGA’s offering over the latest Fall event on the PGA Tour.
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