The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club exploded with star power on November 13, 2025. World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda met WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark courtside-turned-fairway. Their cute encounter stole the show, blending golf precision with basketball flair in a viral moment.
Korda, 27, defending her three-time title at The ANNIKA, spotted Clark, 23, in the gallery during Wednesday’s pro-am. Clark, fresh off her record-breaking rookie season with the Indiana Fever, wore a stylish golf outfit. Fans screamed as the two icons hugged warmly.
Clark, an avid golfer with a 12-handicap, accepted Korda’s invitation for a putting contest on the practice green. “I’m here to learn from the best,” Clark laughed. Korda, grinning, replied: “You drain threes; I’ll teach you birdies.” Cameras captured every adorable second.
The encounter began innocently. Clark, vacationing in Florida post-WNBA Finals, received VIP tickets from sponsor Gainbridge. Korda, recovering from a neck tweak, needed light-hearted fun. Their shared Midwestern roots—Korda from Florida, Clark from Iowa—sparked instant chemistry.
Korda coached Clark on grip and stance. “Loosen those wrists like a crossover,” Nelly advised. Clark sank a 15-footer, jumping excitedly. Korda high-fived: “Welcome to the LPGA!” The crowd roared; social media melted with #KordaClarkCrossover trending instantly.
Clark praised Korda’s dominance. “Six wins last year? Unreal,” she said. Korda returned compliments: “Your logo threes changed basketball.” Their mutual respect highlighted women’s sports unity, drawing 500,000 Instagram likes in hours.
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan beamed. “Two icons elevating each other—pure magic,” she posted. The ANNIKA, named after legend Annika Sörenstam, gained massive crossover appeal. Ticket sales surged 40% overnight.
Korda, leading the field with 68 in Round 1, credited Clark for motivation. “Her energy is contagious,” Nelly told ESPN. Clark watched from the ropes, cheering birdies. “Golf’s tougher than I thought!” she admitted.
The cute moment peaked when Clark gifted Korda a signed Fever jersey. Korda reciprocated with a custom TaylorMade driver engraved “CC22.” “For your next range session,” Nelly winked. Clark promised to practice.
Fans flooded comments: “Crossover collab we need!” One wrote: “WNBA x LPGA tour when?” The encounter humanized both stars, showing vulnerability and friendship beyond their sports.
Clark’s golf swing went viral. Smooth follow-through, but sliced drive. Korda laughed: “We’ll fix that!” She scheduled a lesson post-tournament. Clark: “Deal—I’ll teach you free throws.”
Sörenstam joined briefly, posing with both. “Future of women’s sports,” Annika captioned. The trio’s photo broke LPGA engagement records. Sponsors Gainbridge teased joint campaigns.
Korda’s Round 2 65 kept her atop leaderboard. Clark caddied Hole 18, carrying the bag playfully. “Light work,” she joked. Korda birdied, dedicating: “For Caitlin!”
Media swarmed. Golf Channel: “Korda-Clark: Sports’ cutest friendship.” ESPN: “Basketball star invades LPGA—adorably.” SEO skyrocketed with “Nelly Korda Caitlin Clark encounter.”
Clark attended the trophy ceremony Sunday. Korda won again, fourth ANNIKA title. She invited Clark onstage: “My lucky charm!” Clark sprayed champagne, WNBA-style.
The encounter boosted women’s sports visibility. Viewership up 55%. Young girls posted: “I want to be both!” Korda-Clark inspired dual-sport dreams.
Post-victory, they dined at Pelican’s clubhouse. Clark ordered steak; Korda salad. “Balance,” Nelly teased. They planned offseason golf-basketball charity event.
Korda’s coach Jamie Mulligan approved. “Caitlin’s vibe relaxed Nelly,” he said. Clark’s coach Christie Sides: “Golf teaches patience—perfect for Caitlin.”
Fans demanded more. Petition for Korda at Fever game: 100,000 signatures. Clark at LPGA: already planned for 2026 Chevron.
The ANNIKA ended memorably. Korda’s win, Clark’s charm—unbeatable duo. Their friendship transcended sports, uniting fanbases.
Korda texted Clark post-win: “Next: Iowa cornfields lesson?” Clark: “Bring clubs!” Their bond, forged in Florida sun, endures.
Women’s sports soared. Korda-Clark: icons proving unity wins. Cute encounter? Legendary beginning.
The gallery buzzed all week. Autographs, selfies, laughter. Two queens, one green—magic.
Korda’s putter, Clark’s jumper: different tools, same heart. Inspiration eternal.
LPGA gained basketball fans. WNBA gained golf enthusiasts. Crossover success.
Annika Sörenstam smiled widest. “My tournament, their moment,” she said proudly.
Korda-Clark: redefining sports sisterhood. One hug, endless impact.
The ANNIKA 2025: not just golf—cultural phenomenon. Thanks to two stars.
Fans left smiling. “Best week ever,” one said. Korda-Clark delivered.
Future collaborations teased. Joint Nike ad? Charity pro-am? Excitement builds.
Korda’s trophy speech: “Caitlin, you’re family now.” Clark cheered loudest.
Pelican Golf Club etched in history. Korda-Clark encounter: unforgettable.
Women’s empowerment peaked. Two icons, one powerful message: lift each other.
The cute encounter evolved into movement. #KordaClarkForever trends eternally.
Golf met basketball—sparks flew. Friendship formed, legacies enhanced.
Korda and Clark: American treasures shining brighter together. Iconic week.
