With the WNBA offseason underway, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is once again showing her competitive spirit in a different arena — this time on the golf course. The rising basketball icon is returning for her second straight appearance in The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, a major LPGA Pro-Am tournament. The 23-year-old guard, known for her sharp shooting and fiery energy, is set to play alongside golf sensation and World No. 2 Nelly Korda, giving fans a unique crossover moment between two sports worlds.
Clark, however, won’t be alone at the event. She’ll be joined by two of her Fever teammates — Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull — who will serve as her celebrity caddies. The trio’s chemistry on the basketball court is well known, but now they’ll bring that same camaraderie to the greens of Belleair, Florida. The LPGA hopes that the combination of Clark’s star power and Cunningham’s bold personality will help draw even larger crowds to the tournament.
For Sophie Cunningham, the appearance is more about fun and friendship than fierce competition. Known for her playful confidence and humor, she made it clear that she plans to enjoy herself. “Hopefully they’re not too serious, because I’ll get kicked out of the group,” she joked on her Show Me Something podcast. Cunningham teased that she won’t be lifting golf bags but instead “carrying beers,” while laughing off the dress code rules. When warned about rowdy fans, she quickly fired back, promising that she’d be the one yelling back — in good fun.
The lighthearted atmosphere surrounding the event offers a refreshing break from the tension currently hovering over the WNBA. Clark, who missed much of the 2025 season due to injury, is expected to make a full return next year. However, the league’s future remains uncertain as players continue to clash with executives over the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Led by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, the players’ union is demanding pay raises and better conditions to reflect the league’s growing popularity. With the October 30 negotiation deadline long passed and only a short extension in place, a potential 2026 season lockout looms over the sport.
As the WNBA grapples with these challenges, alternative leagues like Project B are already looking to capitalize on the unrest, reportedly offering multi-million-dollar salaries to lure top talent. Yet amid the off-court drama, Caitlin Clark and her Fever teammates are finding joy and balance through other ventures. Their LPGA Pro-Am outing stands as a lighthearted reminder that even in times of uncertainty, the love of competition — and a little friendly banter — can still bring athletes and fans together.
