Annika Sorenstam: Caitlin Clark draws new fans to golf
LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam says Caitlin Clark is bringing a new demographic to women's golf. In interviews around the 2026 American Century Championship, Sorenstam credited Clark's star power at The Annika pro-am with drawing first-time LPGA fans, packed galleries, and a surge of young supporters who follow every shot.
Key Takeaways
- Sorenstam told Fox News Digital that Clark brings a new demographic and extra buzz whenever she plays the ANNIKA Pro-Am.
- Clark cannot join the American Century Championship while the WNBA season runs May through September.
- Sorenstam defended Clark amid a difficult 2026 WNBA season and said she would excel in celebrity golf.
- Clark's appearances boosted media coverage, web traffic, and social engagement at Sorenstam's LPGA event.
- The 2026 American Century Championship airs on NBC, NBC Sports Network, and Peacock from Edgewood Tahoe.
Why Does Annika Sorenstam Credit Caitlin Clark for Women's Golf Growth?
Sorenstam hosts The Annika driven by Gainbridge, and Clark has returned to its pro-am at Pelican Golf Club. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Sorenstam said Clark is "obviously very popular" and "great for women's sports."
When Clark tees it up, Sorenstam described crowds wanting autographs and tracking every shot. Sportsnaut reported young girls lined up before dawn with basketballs and hats, while fans openly said they had never attended an LPGA event. By 7 a.m., a large crowd gathered at the first tee just to watch Clark hit her opening drive.
Sorenstam told Yahoo Sports it is "fun to see female athletes" of Clark's caliber at her tournament. She said Clark's presence reminds her of being younger, hungry, and fully focused on competition.
Can Caitlin Clark Play in the American Century Championship?
Not while she remains an active WNBA player. The league's May-through-September schedule overlaps with the celebrity tournament, which runs July 10–12, 2026 at Edgewood Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada, on NBC, NBC Sports Network, and Peacock.
Sorenstam still believes Clark would compete well. "She loves golf. She's played golf for many years, and I know every time she gets a chance, she goes to the course," Sorenstam told Fox News Digital. She called Clark "quite an athlete" and said she would do "quite well" in the celebrity field.
Clark and Sorenstam work together through shared sponsor Gainbridge. Sorenstam said Clark's influence even helps her own mindset heading into the American Century Championship, where she is one of the favorites to win.
How Is Clark's Crossover Impacting Coverage and Fan Engagement?
Beyond the gallery, Clark's pro-am rounds drove measurable attention. Sportsnaut noted jumps in media coverage, website traffic, and social media engagement at The Annika. Golf Channel reportedly adjusted its schedule to feature more of her rounds.
Sorenstam pointed to Clark's relatability, athleticism, and genuine love for golf as reasons she works as a crossover ambassador. That visibility fits Sorenstam's push to grow women's golf and bring more young women into the sport.
For viewers tracking celebrity golf on streaming and broadcast, the 2026 American Century Championship is part of that wider spotlight on women's sports crossover moments. Follow more coverage in our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
What Did Sorenstam Say About Clark's WNBA Season?
At a Thursday press conference before the American Century Championship, Sorenstam defended Clark during a challenging WNBA campaign. "It's been a little tough season for her," she told Yahoo Sports. "I wish they would give her a little more space and give her a chance to compete a little better. But that's sports, right?"
Sorenstam, a 10-time major winner with 72 LPGA Tour victories, is raising awareness for the Annika Foundation while competing in the ACC field. For the full remarks on Clark's golf crossover, see Fox News.