Annika Sorenstam and Caitlin Clark: Game recognises game

As the LPGA Tour welcomes back The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, golf icon and tournament host Annika Sorenstam and basketball phenom Caitlin Clark joined host Lauren Thompson for an inspiring Q&A. The two sports trailblazers discussed the highs and challenges of breaking new ground, their shared passion for pushing limits, and the influence they hope to have on future generations of women in sport.

“It just elevates this event in so many ways,” said Sorenstam, reflecting on Clark’s participation in the event’s pro-am and Women's Leadership Summit. “What Caitlin has done not just on the court but in general for women and girls in sports is such an inspiration and motivation.” Clark, who has been blazing her path in women’s basketball, shared her excitement about learning from Sorenstam: “Free lessons! That’s how I’m looking at it,” she said with a laugh, adding that she’d be “pulling out [her] phone to record every single one of her swings.”

Clark noted her decision to attend the Summit came down to a love for golf and a genuine excitement for being around sports. “I love golf and being around it,” she said, explaining that she grew up playing and continues to enjoy it. “For me, this is just fun. It’s cool. This isn’t a job to me. This is an honor.” She emphasised that she’s motivated by her passion for women’s sports, considering her achievements to date as “exceeding everything [she] ever dreamed of.”

Stepping into the role of leader and trailblazer

Reflecting on the challenges of breaking new ground, Thompson asked Sorenstam about stepping into the role of a leader and trailblazer. Sorenstam shared that while she had fears along the way, her love for golf kept her going. “If you play the game of golf, it’s very similar to life,” she explained. “There is a lot of synergy, and things I’ve learned on the course have taken over in my life.” But that path wasn’t easy, especially when public speaking intimidated her so much that she would miss putts intentionally to avoid giving a victory speech. “You’ve got to face your fear,” she said, noting that over time, she learned to push through those initial apprehensions.

Clark also opened up about her approach to leadership, which she says hinges on building strong relationships and understanding that every person is unique. “The thing about leadership is how you approach every single person is going to be completely different,” she explained. “I think that’s what’s unique about leadership, and it takes time. That’s what’s allowed the teams I’ve been on to be successful.”

Setting high standards

Both athletes shared their perspectives on setting high standards for themselves, a trait that has fueled their careers and made them role models for others. “If you set the bar up here, maybe you don’t get there, but you got further than you started,” Sorenstam emphasised. “I’ve never been afraid to set the bar high and keep pushing.” Clark agreed, adding that “the only way to figure out if you can achieve something is to try.”

For Sorenstam, her motivation comes from a mix of pushing her own limits and seeing the positive impact she has on the next generation. Reflecting on her work with The ANNIKA Foundation, she said, “It’s just coming full circle to be able to put this together and see the younger generation coming up, showing how strong the sport is.” Clark, who continues to be inspired by her childhood dream of achieving greatness, noted how important it is to be driven and surround oneself with “really good people that will push you to achieve [your goals].”

Everyone can achieve great things

Sorenstam also highlighted the importance of embracing your journey while staying humble and motivated. “You know, never taking anything for granted,” she said. Both she and Clark stressed that everyone has the potential to achieve great things, as long as they’re willing to put in the work.

In their open dialogue, Sorenstam and Clark illustrated the power of passion, resilience, and community in shaping a successful career in sports. Their words were a reminder of the strength of women’s leadership in sports and the impact it continues to have on younger generations

Find out more about this week's tournament The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican here.

Earlier this year Editor Emma Ballard discussed what success looks like in women's professional golf, unicorns and Caitlin Clark - read the full article.