Caitlin Clark Taps NCAA Champion Lauryn Nguyen for Pro-Am Golf Event

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has confirmed her next competitive appearance will be on the golf course, announcing NCAA champion Lauryn Nguyen as her partner for an upcoming pro-am event. The move comes as Clark navigates a carefully managed offseason focused on recovering from a significant injury while preparing for future national team commitments.

The announcement, made on Monday, revealed that Clark personally invited Nguyen to join her during a surprise Zoom call. The WNBA star will team up with the decorated amateur golfer for the Wednesday Pro-Am at The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican LPGA event, scheduled for November 12. This appearance has generated considerable interest, with Clark’s Fever teammates Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull among those noting their anticipation for the event.

In the recorded invitation, Clark praised Nguyen’s recent achievements before extending the formal offer. “Congratulations on winning the national championship with your teammates at Northwestern,” Clark said. “I want to personally invite you to join me at the Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican as the recipient of a sponsor invitation courtesy of Gainbridge… Can’t wait to see you in November.”

Nguyen, who was visibly stunned by the invitation from the basketball icon, expressed her gratitude and excitement. “I’m speechless,” she responded. “This is so amazing that I will be able to start my professional career playing in a pro-am with Caitlin Clark in a tournament named in honor of Annika (Sorenstam).”

A Rising Star in Collegiate Golf

Lauryn Nguyen is a formidable talent in her own right, making her a fitting partner for a high-profile athlete like Clark. As a two-time All-American, Nguyen has established herself as one of the top players in collegiate golf. Her career reached a new height when she helped lead the Northwestern Wildcats women’s golf team to a recent NCAA championship victory.

However, her athletic prowess was not the sole factor in her selection. The sponsor invitation, courtesy of Gainbridge, also recognized her significant off-course contributions. Nguyen is deeply involved in philanthropic work, including the Nguyen Junior Amateur event and the Duc Foundation. This commitment to community and charity was highlighted as a key reason for her receiving the prestigious opportunity to play alongside Clark and subsequently make her professional debut. This pairing aligns two exceptional young athletes who have demonstrated excellence both in their respective sports and in their dedication to broader social initiatives.

From Pro-Am Partnership to Professional Debut

The event structure offers Nguyen a remarkable launchpad for her professional career. On Wednesday, November 12, she will play nine holes with Clark in the pro-am, an exhibition that pairs professional athletes and celebrities with tour players. For Nguyen, the experience will serve as an immediate prelude to the most significant moment of her career to date.

Following the pro-am, she will transition into her official professional debut, competing in the main LPGA Tour event over the weekend. There, she will vie for a share of the substantial $3.25 million purse against a field of the world’s best golfers. Clark voiced her enthusiastic support for Nguyen’s upcoming debut, stating, “I look forward to teeing it up with her in the Wednesday Pro-Am and cheering her on during tournament week.”

Clark’s Road to Recovery and Future Priorities

While the golf event marks a welcome return to the public eye for Clark, it also underscores her ongoing recovery. Her 2025 WNBA season was abruptly cut short by a season-ending groin injury, limiting her to just 13 regular-season games. Her absence was a notable factor for the Indiana Fever, who were ultimately eliminated from the playoffs by the Las Vegas Aces, the team that went on to win the WNBA Finals.

Since the season concluded, Clark has remained a prominent figure, making several high-profile appearances. She was seen supporting the Indianapolis Colts with her Fever teammates and later attended a Kansas City Chiefs game, where she was spotted with pop superstar Taylor Swift. These events have kept her connected with fans while she focuses on rehabilitation.

However, her top athletic priority remains basketball. During the Fever’s exit interviews, Clark was clear about her long-term goals. She stated that preparing for USA Basketball is her “top priority.” While she has not announced any plans to join an offseason basketball league, a common practice for many of her Indiana teammates, her focus is squarely on being ready for the national team. If her recovery proceeds as planned, fans may see her back on the basketball court representing her country as early as March.