Annika Sorenstam says Caitlin Clark is doing more than crossing over from basketball to golf. She is helping bring a new audience to women’s golf.
Sorenstam made the point on Friday while playing in the American Century Championship, where she spoke about Clark’s growing presence at golf events. According to Sorenstam, Clark’s appearances in pro-ams have been a clear draw, with fans attending, following her shots and asking for autographs.
“She’s obviously very popular,” Sorenstam said. “She brings a new demographic to the game, and when she’s there playing the pro-am, I mean we have a lot of people attending and wanting her autograph. Following her and every shot, and she’s just great for women’s sports and we love to have her a part of it.”
The comments fit with the way Clark’s name has started to resonate beyond the WNBA. Her visibility at golf events has given the sport an added spotlight, especially in settings where fans can see her up close.
Sorenstam, who has long been tied to the Annika Foundation and its focus on empowering young women through golf and life skills, said that kind of crossover attention matters. Women’s golf benefits when a major sports figure helps broaden the audience, and Clark appears to be doing exactly that when her schedule allows her to take part.
Clark could not play in the American Century Championship because of the WNBA schedule, but Sorenstam said she would do well in the event. “She’s quite an athlete,” Sorenstam said. “She loves golf. She’s played golf for many years, and I know every time she gets a chance, she goes to the course.”
Sorenstam’s perspective also reflects her own background in growing the women’s game. She said it has been rewarding to see how far women’s golf has come and how many young women are now pursuing their dreams through the sport.
