Imagine the roar of the crowd as a basketball phenom steps onto the green... That's exactly what's happening again! Caitlin Clark, the WNBA superstar, is set to trade her basketball shoes for golf spikes and return to the LPGA's The Annika pro-am. But is this just a publicity stunt, or does Clark genuinely have what it takes to compete alongside some of the best female golfers in the world?
Mark your calendars for November 12th, 2025, because that's when Clark will be teeing off at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. This announcement, made by tournament officials on Thursday, confirms that Clark will be participating in the pro-am event held in conjunction with The Annika tournament, which runs from November 12th to 16th. This marks Clark's return after enjoying the experience so much last year.
"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," Clark stated. Her enthusiasm is clear, and she also expressed her pride in being an ambassador for Gainbridge, a company dedicated to supporting women's sports. "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.”
The Annika, hosted by none other than World Golf and LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam herself, holds significant weight on the LPGA Tour. It represents the final full-field regular-season event of the 2025 season. The stakes are high, with a substantial $3.25 million purse up for grabs.
Sorenstam is equally thrilled to have Clark back. "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.”
For those unfamiliar, Caitlin Clark is a name synonymous with college basketball dominance. The Iowa star shattered records, becoming the leading scorer in college basketball history. Since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024, she's taken the WNBA by storm, earning Rookie of the Year honors, a first-team All-WNBA selection, and setting a rookie record for assists. Although injuries limited her to 13 games in her second season, her impact on the sport is undeniable.
But here's where it gets controversial... While her basketball prowess is undisputed, her golf game has been under scrutiny.
Last year, Clark's presence at The Annika drew massive crowds, with attendance swelling into the thousands. The excitement was palpable, and even The Athletic took notice, sending video of her swing to a golf coach for analysis. The verdict? While Clark possesses the athleticism to generate impressive club speed, her hand loading technique could use improvement.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the swing. It's about the mental game, the course management, and the ability to perform under pressure – all skills that translate from basketball, but require a different application on the golf course. Will Clark's competitive fire and experience playing in high-stakes basketball games give her an edge on the green?
So, the question remains: Can Caitlin Clark translate her athletic prowess and competitive spirit from the basketball court to the golf course and truly impress at The Annika? Or will she simply be a celebrity draw, bringing attention to the event but struggling to keep up with the pros? What do you think? Is her participation good for women's sports overall, or does it take away from the dedicated golfers who have spent their lives honing their craft? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
