Caitlin Clark to Participate in LPGA Pro-Am Following Injury-Plagued WNBA Season
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark is scheduled to make a return to the golf course, confirming her participation in the pro-am competition at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. The announcement signals an early offseason commitment for the Indiana Fever guard, who will be appearing in the event for the second consecutive year after a demanding season that was ultimately cut short by injury.
Tournament organizers, in conjunction with sponsor Gainbridge, formally announced on Thursday that Clark would be a featured participant in the pro-am portion of the November 2025 event. Shortly after the news broke, Clark acknowledged her upcoming appearance by resharing the announcement on her Instagram account, adding a characteristically humorous message for her followers: “will try not to hit anyone .”
The event itself is a premier stop on the LPGA Tour, hosted by golf legend Annika Sörenstam in Belleair, Florida. The tournament, held at the Pelican Golf Club, boasts a substantial $3.25 million purse for the professional competition. The pro-am, scheduled for November 12–13, 2025, offers a unique opportunity for fans to watch celebrities and amateur players tee off alongside LPGA professionals, with tickets for the Wednesday segment sold separately to the public.
A Tale of Two Seasons
Clark’s participation in the offseason event follows a turbulent period in her professional basketball career. After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, she entered the league with immense expectations and quickly delivered one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in history. In her debut season, she played in all 40 games, leading the Indiana Fever to their first postseason appearance since 2016.
Her individual statistics were equally impressive, as she averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Furthermore, she led the entire league in assists with an average of 8.4 per game, showcasing the court vision and playmaking ability that made her a generational talent in college. Her performance culminated in a sweep of major honors: WNBA Rookie of the Year, a WNBA All-Star selection, and a spot on the prestigious first team All-WNBA. This combination of accolades for a rookie had not been achieved since Candace Parker accomplished the feat in 2008, cementing Clark’s status as an immediate league powerhouse.
However, her follow-up season was unfortunately derailed by health issues. Clark was limited to just 13 games due to what were described as multiple recurring lower-body injuries. The persistent nature of these injuries ultimately forced an end to her season, creating a stark contrast to the durability and dominance she displayed just a year prior. Her appearance at the November pro-am will be one of her first scheduled public athletic endeavors since the conclusion of her shortened WNBA season.
The Crossover Appeal of Pro-Am Golf
Clark’s decision to participate in a golf event aligns with a growing trend of elite athletes from various sports taking part in high-profile pro-am and celebrity tournaments. The worlds of basketball, football, and even tennis have often crossed over onto the golf course, drawing significant fan and media attention.
For years, NBA stars like Steph Curry, NFL quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, and tight end Travis Kelce have been prominent figures in televised charity events like “The Match” and the annual American Century Championship. Similarly, retired sports icons, including tennis champion Andy Murray and soccer star Gareth Bale, are regular participants in pro-ams on the DP World Tour in Europe. These appearances not only serve charitable causes but also allow athletes to engage with fans in a more relaxed setting while showcasing their skills in a different sport. For Clark, who is arguably the face of modern women’s basketball, her presence provides a similar crossover appeal.
A Strategic Draw for the LPGA
The inclusion of a superstar of Clark’s magnitude brings what tournament officials call “significant mainstream intrigue” to the LPGA Tour. Her massive following and ability to command national media attention provide a substantial boost to the event’s visibility. This exposure is invaluable for the LPGA, its players, and sponsors like Gainbridge, as it has the potential to attract a new and broader demographic of fans who may not typically follow professional golf. Clark’s participation is expected to drive ticket sales for the pro-am and generate widespread social media buzz, further elevating the profile of The ANNIKA tournament and its legendary host, Annika Sörenstam.
