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Caitlin Clark steps off the field and onto the fairway to play in an LPGA pro-am

Caitlin Clark steps off the field and onto the fairway to play in an LPGA pro-am

BELLEAIR, Fla.Caitlin Clark has one goal when she plays in an LPGA pro-am.

“I’ve been trying to practice as much as I can,” Clark said Tuesday. “I’m just the average golfer. I’m going to hit some good, I’m going to hit some bad. … I’m just going to try not to hit anyone outside the ropes. But it will be fun.”

The WNBA rookie of the year star was invited to participate in Wednesday’s pro-am at Pelican Golf Club ahead of The Annika. The presenting sponsor is Gainbridge, which has an endorsement deal with Clark.

She participated in an LPGA Women’s Leadership Summit with Sorenstam, the tournament’s host, and former model and business leader Kathy Ireland.

Clark will play on the front nine with Nelly Korda, the No. 1 player in the women’s rankings who won the LPGA’s Player of the Year award. She plays the back nine for Sorenstam, who retired in 2008 and now focuses on senior golf.

Clark had said after the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs that they planned to play golf until it got too cold in Indianaand added with a smile, “Become a professional golfer.”

Yes, she was joking.

“I tried to take as much time as possible to practice, but there is only so much hope. Just cross your fingers and pray,” she said on Tuesday. “No, I practiced a little bit and I just got the quote about how I was going to be a professional golfer. Everyone thought I was serious. I wasn’t serious. I love it. I love being outdoors and making it competitive with my friends.

“It’s a challenge and I’m looking forward to coming here and being the best and having a good time.”

This will be her second pro-am, which often attracts athletes and entertainers. Clark played in the pro-am at the John Deere Classic in July 2023, while she was still at Iowa.

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AP wave: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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