The RSM Classic marks the last event of the FedEx Fall schedule. It’s one of the biggest weeks for some players as they fight for a spot on the PGA Tour for the upcoming 2025 season. Even with the high stakes, the RSM Classic started off with a bang as legendary star quarterback Tom Brady and WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark competed in the Pro-Am on Wednesday.
Clark was paired with two-time major winner and fellow Iowan Zach Johnson, while Brady took it easy with the defending RSM Classic champion, world No. 5 Ludvig Aberg, who is making his first start since knee surgery.
Clark returned to the course after playing with some LPGA’s most significant stars last weekend at the ANNIKA.
Clark Shines at RSM Classic Pro-Am
Staying true to her word, Clark has been seen on the golf course multiple times in the offseason. She’s played alongside some legends like Nelly Korda, Annika Sorenstam, and Zach Johnson.
There are no days off for the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year, who has continuously worked on her golf game. Clark received outstanding support at Sea Island with tons of fans repping her Indiana Fever jersey.
Johnson, who previously paired with his fellow Iowa native at the John Deere Classic in 2023 could already see the improvements in her golf game.
“She’s a competitor before she is anything else. I witnessed it a year-and-a-half ago when we played but I’ve also witnessed that she’s gotten better. She’s working on her game,” Johnson said. “It’s a hard game, and it’s not her number one priority, obviously, nor should it be. But she’s amazing. She’s amazing on the court and off.”
PGA Tour Commissioner Impressed with Clark
The RSM Classic was the first time PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan had met Clark. Even Monahan was impressed with Clark’s poise and strong golf swing.
There were a couple times Clark had the gallery and Monhan in awe. Especially on the par-5, 14th hole, where Clark hit a tee shot 270 yards down the left of the fairway. She finished with a “perfect buttercut” that rolled on the back of the green.
“It is incredible. It was awesome to watch,” Monahan said. “What really struck me was her love of the game. Clearly, her competitive spirit and fire come through. And her ability comes through loud and clear on some of those tee shots. You know, she’s been playing seriously for a year and a half. I’ve never seen someone in a year and a half strike the ball like that. And she’s gonna be playing this game for a long time.”
