Caitlin Clark confirms career move as WNBA superstar takes break from basketball (original) (raw)

Caitlin Clark has enjoyed a breakthrough rookie season with Indiana Fever, but the basketball star is set to swap the court for the fairways in an out-of-the-blue career move

Clark was voted as WNBA Rookie of the Year

Clark was voted as WNBA Rookie of the Year

Caitlin Clark is swapping her sneakers for golf spikes this winter in a surprising career twist. The new WNBA Rookie of the Year has just finished a standout season with Indiana Fever, where she's shattered numerous records and guided her team to their first WNBA Playoffs in eight years.

The former Iowa standout set new benchmarks for assists in a single season (337), hit a league-high 122 three-pointers becoming the fastest woman ever to surpass the 100 three-pointer mark, recorded two triple-doubles, and scored the most points from her position as a point guard in a single season. Despite the opportunity to continue shining in the Unrivalled League during her off-season, the 22-year-old has chosen to test her skills on the LPGA Tour next month.

The Annika pro-am event, hosted by golf legend Annika Sorenstam, will take place from November 13 to 17 at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, attracting a wealth of talent. Clark is among those taking part as she tries her hand at a different sport.

Clark said in a statement: "I love golf so the opportunity to play in the Pro-Am for a tournament with a legend like Annika Sorenstam's name on it is so exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing all the LPGA players on the driving range, being part of the Women's Leadership Summit, and, of course, teeing it up in the pro-am with Annika."

Meanwhile, tournament host Sorenstam praised Clark's impact on women's sports, saying: "I have been following Caitlin's career during college and now on the WNBA stage, and what she is doing to bring attention to women's sports both on and off the court is outstanding. I'm excited to meet Caitlin and for her to join us at Pelican Golf Club in November in what will be an exciting week for women's sports."

Caitlin Clark is switching basketball for golf this winter (

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(Image: Getty))

The Annika is set to be a major event with 120 players vying for a slice of the hefty $3.25 million purse—one of the biggest on the LPGA Tour. This announcement comes hot on the heels of Clark's heartfelt social media post where she expressed her gratitude for her inaugural season with Fever.

On X, Clark shared: "Year one (check emoji) - thank you to the many people who have supported me as I've been able to live my childhood dream. I'm filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life. See you all in year two."

Before turning pro, Clark had a stellar college career at the University of Iowa, earning national Player of the Year twice and setting a new NCAA scoring record. In April 2024, she was the top pick in the WNBA draft, subsequently signing with Fever.

Her rookie season stats were impressive, averaging 19.2 points, a league-high 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, which earned her 66 out of 67 votes for WNBA Rookie of the Year, with the remaining vote going to Angel Reese of Chicago Sky.