It turns out Caitlin Clark’s range extends way beyond the hardwood.
The Iowa Hawkeyes basketball superstar drew huge crowds at the pro-am of the John Deere Classic tournament at the TPC Deere Run in Illinois, looking just as comfortable on the green as she does on the basketball court.
Silvis, Illinois, the home of the course, is less than three hours down the I-80 from Des Moines, where many of Clark’s fans live, and her supporters poured onto the course to support the 21-year-old sharpshooter.
Clark golfed with fellow Iowan Zach Johnson, who is the captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, and Clark participated in a youth golf clinic at a driving range following her round.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring our fans the opportunity to see Caitlin Clark and Zach Johnson, two Iowa sports heroes, play,” tournament director Andrew Lehman said to ESPN before their appearance. “Zach has been the face of the tournament for many years, and Caitlin’s presence will bring a jolt of electricity to the grounds and help us introduce youngsters and non-golf fans to this great game.”
Clark, a 6-foot point guard, led the Hawkeyes to their first-ever national championship appearance last season, during a showstopping year in which she averaged 27.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists while leading the nation with 3.68 3-pointers per game.
Iowa fell short in the title game, losing to LSU after upsetting national powerhouse University of South Carolina in the Final Four.
Clark’s used of the John Cena “You can’t see me” gesture only heightened her national spotlight when LSU star Angel Reese returned the favor back to her in the title game.
The group following @CaitlinClark22 at John Deere Classic Pro-Am; that is @IowaWBB assistant coach Jan Jensen leading the pack. By my count, Clark is 4 over through 6 holes, has not missed a fairway, and I have lost count how many autographs she has signed. pic.twitter.com/6bJDMdwYSQ
— Michael Voepel (@MAVoepel) July 5, 2023Clark, who also led the country in triple-doubles with five and was tabbed as the national women’s basketball player of the year, has been a star since her freshman season at Iowa.
She’s averaged at least 26 points and seven assists every year.
According to ESPN’s Michael Voepel, Clark was four over through six holes and had not missed a fairway.
Clark, a native of West Des Moines, has played golf since childhood.
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