While the WNBA is in its offseason, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has turned her attention to a completely different sport: golf. The dynamic guard made her pro-am debut at the LPGA’s The ANNIKA in Florida on Wednesday, trading the basketball court for the fairways and greens. Though her swing showed room for improvement, Clark clearly enjoyed herself, bringing the same competitive energy and enthusiasm she shows on the court to her golf game.
Clark has never been one to shy away from trying new challenges, and her appearance at the LPGA event highlighted her desire to stay active and engaged in the sports world even during the WNBA offseason. She embraced the experience with her trademark smile and determination, even laughing off the inevitable mishits that come with taking on a new sport at a high level.
Despite her relative inexperience in golf, Clark’s presence at the event was a testament to her versatility as an athlete and her broad appeal beyond the basketball world.
However, soon the focus will shift back to basketball, where Clark will enter her sophomore season with the Indiana Fever.
In just a few weeks, the 22-year-old will return to the WNBA grind, ready to build on an impressive rookie campaign that earned her Rookie of the Year honors. Under the guidance of Stephanie White, who has returned as the head coach of the Fever, Clark is poised to continue her development and help lead a young Fever team looking to establish itself as a contender.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is entering the second year of her four-year, $338,000 rookie contract with the Fever. Her rookie season saw her electrify audiences with her deep shooting range, playmaking ability, and competitive fire, quickly making her one of the most exciting players in the league.
As she prepares for her second year, Clark will be looking to further elevate her game and help the Fever take a step forward in the standings.
Caitlin Clark’s success on the court has also translated into significant opportunities off the court. Her agent, Erin Kane, recently shared insights into what it’s like negotiating deals for an athlete as in-demand as Clark. Speaking on the “Diggin’ Deep Podcast” on Wednesday, Kane highlighted the unique nature of Clark’s marketability.
“As far as clients like Caitlin, she’s one of one, and so it really is just about setting the market,” Kane explained. “There’s this idea that agents have all the control or you could just say something and make it into reality. But the reality is you’re reading the situation.”
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Kane emphasized that while agents play a critical role in securing endorsements and partnerships, much of the process involves understanding the landscape and positioning a player like Clark in the right way. Clark’s appeal goes beyond her skills on the court—it’s about her charisma, her story, and the way she plays the game.
“There’s a handful of players that have ignited this level of excitement by being incredible at what they do,” Kane added. “But also, it’s how they do it. Serena Williams, or you can pick, it’s the iconic athletes—Simone Biles, especially when it’s women. And Caitlin is one of those. How she plays the game, how she captured the attention of a much broader fanbase.”
Clark’s popularity has surged since her college days at Iowa, where she became a nationwide sensation with her record-breaking performances and fearless approach to the game. Her ability to hit deep three-pointers, create for her teammates, and play with unmatched intensity endeared her to fans across the country, and she has carried that momentum into the professional ranks.
Her influence extends beyond basketball, as evidenced by her endorsements with major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, and Wilson—the latter of which recently released a new series of basketballs bearing her name.
As the WNBA offseason winds down, Clark will soon be back on the court, ready to pick up where she left off and continue her ascent as one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball.
The Indiana Fever, led by their young superstar, are looking to improve upon a challenging first year for Clark, and with the added experience and leadership of coach Stephanie White, expectations are high for what the team can accomplish.
Whether it’s sinking deep threes on the hardwood or taking on a new sport on the golf course, Caitlin Clark is proving that her impact reaches far beyond just one game.
