BELLEAIR, Fla. – Caitlin Clark has only one goal when playing in an LPGA pro-am.

“I tried to practice as much as I could,” Clark said Tuesday. “I’m just a regular golfer. I’m gonna hit something good, I’m gonna hit something bad. … I’ll try not to hit anyone standing outside the ropes. But it will be fun.”

The WNBA Rookie of the Year star was invited to take part in Wednesday’s pro-am at Pelican Golf Club ahead of The Annika. The presenting sponsor is Gainbridge, which has an endorsement deal with Clark.

She attended an LPGA Women’s Leadership Summit with Sorenstam, the tournament’s host, and former model and business leader Kathy Ireland.

Clark will play No. 1 women’s No. 1 player Nelly Korda, who won the LPGA Player of the Year award. She plays the back nine with Sorenstam, who retired in 2008 and is now enjoying senior golf.

Clark said after the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs that she he planned to play golf until it got too cold in Indianaadding with a smile, “Become a professional golfer.”

Yes, he was joking.

“I’ve been trying to take as much time as possible to practice, but there’s only so much hope. Cross your fingers, pray,” she said Tuesday. “No, I practiced a little bit and only had the quote about becoming a professional golfer. Everyone thought I was serious. I wasn’t serious. I like it. I like to hang out and make it competitive with my friends.

“It’s a challenge and to get here and be around the best and have fun is what I’m looking forward to.”

This will be her second pro-am, which often attracts athletes and entertainers. Clark played in the pro-am at the John Deere Classic in July 2023 while still at Iowa.

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Golf AP: https://apnews.com/hub/golf