Caitlin Clark is set to return to competitive action, but this time, it’s not on the basketball court. The Indiana Fever star will once again tee off at the Annika Pro-Am at Pelican Golf Club. “I just don’t want to hit anyone with a golf ball. That’s my No. 1 priority,” Clark joked before last year’s tournament. Ironically, she nearly did, shanking a shot that flew straight toward the crowd. Luckily, no one was hurt, and Clark’s quick “sorry” drew laughter from spectators. But her story on the course doesn’t end there.

Yes, that was an isolated event, and Clark enjoyed the experience so much that a second stint seemed viable. “I had an amazing time at The Annika last November and participating in the Pro-Am alongside Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam, two of the best in the game,” Clark said in a statement. Clark is scheduled to participate in the pro-am on November 12, which will run till November 16. 

“I’m honored to be an ambassador for a company in Gainbridge that is so committed to elevating women’s sports. I can’t wait to return to Tampa in November to play in the Pro-Am with the best women golfers in the world.” The Caitlin Clark effect hit the Annika Pro Am, too. As the Fever guard’s participation led to increased interest in the tournament hosted by World Golf and LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam. But do not get fooled into thinking golf is a new passion for Caitlin Clark.

It’s been part of her life since childhood. Clark first picked up the sport around age six, when her father, Brent, taught her to play. By her eighth birthday, she had her own pink-and-blue set of kids’ clubs and began spending countless hours on the course. Clark often played with her brother, Blake, and admitted, “We get pretty competitive.” She also told Golf Digest that, “I love doing something active and outdoors with the people I love.”

While basketball remains her top priority, the Fever star at times feels unlucky because of the schedule. Clark’s demanding WNBA schedule leaves little time for her favorite off-season pastime. “The only downside about the WNBA is during the summer—that’s when you golf,” she said during a Nike event in October. “My golf game has had to take a back seat to basketball.”

But with the offseason kicked in, the 2025 tournament is expected to have another uptick. The fans are especially interested to see Clark back in action after missing the majority of the 2025 season. They have made a special request to the tournament that the Pro Am should oblige.

Fans Eagerly Track Caitlin Clark in Injury Comeback

“I guess golf is a form of groin injury rehab process,” commented a fan. Clark injured her right groin more than 2 months ago and has been recovering since. Clark was last seen practicing in a 5vs0 practice with the Fever, so her pain is not as bad as some might think. Speaking on similar lines, another comment read, “Her injury must be healed.”

It can be a case, because WNBA-level basketball is just so much more stressful on her groin than a light golf game is. That said, Golf involves rotational movements of the hips and groin area, particularly during the swing, as well as walking and weight transfer. These actions can put stress on a healing groin muscle or tendon.

In any case, Caitlin Clark’s medical team knows better. Since her priority is getting back to 100%, she wouldn’t risk reinjuring herself at a golf event without medical clearance. Since the fans haven’t had Clark on the court much in 2025, they are desperate for some CC action and would even be satisfied with golf. “Please stream this event so us CC fans can watch from home,” pleaded a fan.

Last year, the tournament ramped up its broadcasting efforts only because of Clark. They included highlights, live tournament look-ins, and expanded tournament preview coverage of Clark’s game. Throughout the day, video highlights and reports were posted on GOLF Channel, NBC Sports, LPGA Tour, and The ANNIKA social media channels, including a live stream of Clark’s warm-up range session and an in-round walk-and-talk with the WNBA star. “Hope that the Golf Channel decides to broadcast most of the round just like last year,” wrote another fan. 

Not all fans were satisfied with the tournament’s Clark coverage. “Dear LPGA and PGA network, let’s show her more than you did last time,” requested a fan. Many basketball fans would feel this way because of the fundamental difference between golf and basketball. Basketball is fast-paced, and the focus always remains on the ball and the court. Whereas in golf, you track different groups and storylines simultaneously at a slower pace. So you can’t change that, but since Clark is the crowd puller, they can find a way to appease her fans.