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This spring, the sports world fell under the spell of Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark as she ran circles around the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Though the Hawkeyes came up short in the final, Clark was the breakout star of the tournament thanks to back-to-back 41-point performances in the Elite Eight and Final Four.
On Wednesday, the Des Moines native traded March Madness for the serene fairways of TPC Deere Run, teeing it up in the John Deere Classic Pro-Am. There she put her golf game on display for the adoring masses, and we say “masses” because, well, just look at the gallery that was following her.
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, 2023
Incredible scenes. This is Tiger-in-the-hunt-on-Sunday levels of devotion … at the John Deere Classic … pro-am. Hard to believe, but it makes a little more sense when you consider Silvis, Illinois—the home of TPC Deere Run—is less than three hours down I-80 from Des Moines. Plus there’s the whole “Iowa” factor. This is a sports-mad area of the country without a pro sports team to call their own. That means college and high school sports are king and Clark, therefore, the queen.
At the time of this photograph, Clark was four over six but thankfully her fans have plenty to look forward to. Clark begins her junior season in just a few months. Judging by these galleries, there won’t be an empty seat in the house.
