Caitlin Clark releases statement as WNBA star confirms leftfield career switch

Caitlin Clark is making the move from basketball to golf this winter, in an out-of-the-blue career move. The Rookie of the Year is currently relishing a breakthrough season with Indiana Fever, which saw her break an abundance of records and lead her side to the WNBA Play-offs for the first time in eight years.

The Iowa graduate set new records for assists in a single season (337), achieved a league-high 122 three-pointers becoming the fastest female in history to break the 100 three-pointer mark, recorded two triple-doubles and scored the most points from her position as a point guard in a single season.

And while 22-year-old Clark could have continued to impress in the Unrivalled League during her seasonal break, she has instead opted to take to the greens and fairways of an LPGA Tour event next month. Hosted by Annika Sorenstam, the Annika pro-am event will take place between November 13 and 17 at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, and will welcome a whole host of talent.

Speaking on her participation in the event, Clark said: “I love golf so the opportunity to play in the Pro-Am for a tournament with a legend like Annika Sorenstam’s name on it is so exciting,” adding: “I’m looking forward to seeing all the LPGA players on the driving range, being part of the Women’s Leadership Summit, and, of course, teeing it up in the pro-am with Annika.”

Meanwhile, tournament host Sorenstam, said: “I have been following Caitlin’s career during college and now on the WNBA stage, and what she is doing to bring attention to women’s sports both on and off the court is outstanding. I’m excited to meet Caitlin and for her to join us at Pelican Golf Club in November in what will be an exciting week for women’s sports.”

The Annika will feature 120 competing players for a share of a grand $3.25million (£2.4m) purse – one of the largest prize pools on the entire LGPA Tour. It comes after Clark capped off a whirlwind season with Fever on social media, citing how grateful she was for the experience.

Clark posted on X: “Year one (check emoji) – thank you to the many people who have supported me as I’ve been able to live my childhood dream. I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life. See you all in year two.”

The youngster spent four years at the University of Iowa prior to her pro career, achieving back-to-back national Player of the Year awards while setting a new NCAA scoring record in the process. In April 2024, she was selected as the first overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft, signing a rookie scale contract with Fever later that month.

She averaged 19.2 points per game in her maiden season as well as a league-high 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. For her efforts, she received 66 out of 67 votes to become the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year – the other going to Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese.