Why is WNBA star Caitlin Clark playing golf at The Annika? Eligibility explored

WNBA star Caitlin Clark will play golf at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. However, she's competing in the Pro-Am event before the tournament, where professionals are paired with amateurs. Hence, the 22-year-old can compete in the event without requiring professional golf status.

Previously, Caitlin Clark also competed in a Pro-Am event at the 2023 John Deere Classic.

Last month, Gainbridge and tournament officials confirmed her participation at the event. The WNBA Rookie of the Year will join two events, the Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, November 12 and the Pro-Am event on Wednesday, November 13. Both events will be held at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.

Caitlin Clark will team up with LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam and World No.1 Nelly Korda. Talking about competing in the Pro-Am event, she said (via LPGA):

"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. Gainbridge is a leader in supporting women’s sports and that’s clear through their commitment to me, this event, Billie Jean King, and Parity Week."

Gainbridge announced Clark as the brand ambassador in a multi-year deal with the basketball player. The 22-year-old further said:

"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."

Caitlin Clark is scheduled to tee off at the Pro-Am event at 7 am ET on Wednesday (Oct. 13). The Pro-Am event can be watched by viewers at the Golf Channel and NBC Sports.

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Caitlin Clark competed in a Pro-Am event at the 2023 John Deere Classic

The 2024 ANNIKA isn't Clark's first Pro-Am event. Last year, she played at the competition at the 2023 John Deere Classic.

In an interview with the PGA Tour at last year's tournament, she shared that she was a big fan of golf and enjoyed playing and being around it. She called it really fun. She shared that she has the TV on every Sunday to watch the PGA Tour.

Talking about her experience at the Pro-Am event of the 2023 John Deere Classic, Caitlin Clark said (PGA Tour):

"More than anything else, this was about enjoying the experience. It’s just cool getting to interact with the young kids who were here today. I was trying to make as much time as I could to sign an autograph, or give them a ball or a high five because that goes a long way."

LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam and Lilia Vu have both shown excitement over the participation of the WNBA star in the competition. Sorenstam called her "hottest thing right now" in the pre-tournament press conference.