Sorenstam: Clark draws new fans to women's golf at every stop
Annika Sorenstam says Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has expanded the audience for women's golf, describing the WNBA star as a galvanizing presence that draws large crowds and genuine enthusiasm whenever she appears at tour events. Sorenstam, one of the most decorated players in LPGA history with 72 Tour victories and 10 major championships, made the remarks in an interview with Fox News Digital.
"She's obviously very popular. 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," Sorenstam said. Clark has participated in the ANNIKA Pro-Am, the amateur competition associated with the tour event Sorenstam hosts, and the two were photographed together at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, in November 2024. racing post greyhound
Sorenstam assessed Clark's ability on the course with equal confidence. "I think she would do quite well. I mean, she's quite an athlete, as you know. That's kind of stating the obvious. But she loves golf. She's played golf for many years, and I know every time she gets a chance, she goes to the course," she said. Clark's WNBA schedule prevents her from competing in the American Century Championship, the celebrity tournament in which Sorenstam is participating and is considered among the contenders. The event uses a Stableford scoring format, which Sorenstam noted requires a more aggressive approach favoring birdies and eagles. It will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Beyond Clark's crossover appeal, Sorenstam used the occasion to highlight the Annika Foundation, her charitable organization focused on supporting young women through golf. "We try to empower and advance young women through the game of golf, but also in life, different life skills, and it's been really rewarding and satisfying to see how far women's golf has come," she said. Sorenstam retired from full-time LPGA competition in 2008 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame; she has since directed significant energy toward the foundation's development programs.
