Playing in her first LPGA pro-am with Annika Sorenstam and Nelly Korda, the WNBA sensation is over the moon.

In the sports world, Caitlin Clark is the rarest of commodities.

In her four years at Iowa, Clark was a phenom.

She got almost all the adulation and seemed to give back every night she played.

When the Indiana Fever drafted her No. 1 into the WNBA, it was unknown how she would do, but like in college, the 22-year-old was again beyond capable. She won Rookie of the Year and moved women’s basketball to the top of the sports food chain.

So, on Tuesday in Florida, when Clark talked about playing in the LPGA pro-am this week, it was odd that she was not the big dog, as she is with the rock in her hand.

“Getting to be with two of the best probably ever to play this game, it’s super fun and special for me,” Clark said of playing with World No. 1 Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam. “I’m a fan of both of them and a fan of all the women on this tour. I think it’s absolutely incredible.”

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) possesses the ball during the first half against the Connecticut Sun during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Oddly, Clark’s favorite growing up was not Sorenstam but Rory McIlroy.

“I tried to watch as much as I can. Rory was probably one of my favorite players growing up,” Clark said. “I would have the TV on watching him. I had this pink cute golf club set growing up that I got for one of my birthdays. I would beg my dad to take me out and go golfing.”

Listening to Clark, you have to wonder why she didn’t go that route instead of playing on the hardwood.

“I played just about every sport growing up,” Clark said. “I remember when I had one off weekend of not playing soccer or basketball, whatever it was, I begged my dad to take me [golfing].”

Clark’s love for the outdoors pushed her to experience the game, but the challenge of golf made her come back repeatedly.

“I’ve tried to practice as much as I can. I mean, you know, I’m just the average golfer,” Clark said of her approach in Wednesday’s pro-am. “I’m going to hit some good, I’m going to hit some bad. It is what it is. Just going to try not to hit anyone standing outside of the ropes. But it’ll be fun. I’m excited for it.”

Clark understands the benefits she gets from playing professional basketball, and Wednesday is one of them.

She also understands that she should not take herself or her game too seriously but have fun.

“Just go with the flow, enjoy these experiences, Clark said of her new opportunities. “Obviously, life has changed a lot. I try to live in the same exact manner I did when I showed up in college and, stepped on campus and try to be the same authentic person I am.

For me, like I feel like I am living in a dream, and at the same time, it’s special. I try not let it pass me by. Just thankful that I get to have these opportunities.”