WNBA star Caitlin Clark has answered golf sensation Nelly Korda's request for a signed basketball after they were teamed up in a pro-am tournament. The Annika tournament saw an influx of basketball fans drawn to the Pelican golf course in Florida by the 'Caitlin Clark effect'.
The 22-year-old engaged with the crowd and signed autographs as the Indiana Fever guard navigated the course. Clark is a golf enthusiast and played her round with world number one Korda and tournament namesake Annika Sorenstam.
It seems the admiration was mutual, with Clark receiving an autograph request from Korda. After finishing their time together on the course, Korda, who signed golf balls for Clark, asked for a gift in return while handing over the souvenirs.
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Clark promised to send the basketball to Korda and quickly received a reminder when their exchange was shared on social media. Responding in the Instagram comments section, Clark said, "Going up in my office immediately."
The mutual respect between the two sporting superstars was clear. Korda didn't leave without a memento either as the pair swapped signed jerseys at The Annika. The LPGA joined in the festivities, gifting Clark a coveted sweatshirt she had asked the organisation for in 2021.
Yet, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Clark who accidentally sent a tee shot into the spectators, quickly making amends by offering a signed golf ball. Showing her light-hearted side, Clark later joked on Instagram about the mishap: "This is why you keep extras in the pockets!"
Reflecting on the thrilling experience, Clark said: "It was so fun. Obviously, getting to see them do what they do up front, like people would pay for that. I got to do it for free and have fun with them. ... Very lucky and fortunate. Hung in there, did alright. It was a good day."
Korda was also taken aback by Clark's composure and talent on the golf course, commenting on her ability to thrive under pressure among the media attention. "It was great to see how relaxed she was," Korda admitted. "Obviously with the media attention she has gotten probably in the past year-and-a-half, two years, you can see how she's comfortable playing in front of a larger crowd. And she was just really enjoying it. You can tell.
"She's definitely very talented. She was picking the ball really clean. She was losing a couple shots to the right, but I asked her how many times a week she plays and I think with the amount of obligations she has she probably gets to the golf course once a week."
