“Didn’t Want to Put (Caitlin Clark) as ROTY”: Fever Star’s LPGA Debut Triggers Fierce Allegations Against the WNBA

When Caitlin Clark finally joined the LPGA, the golfing community showed tremendous support. Her performances were widely discussed on social media platforms, and the Golf Channel even aired special features 90 minutes earlier than usual to showcase her skills. This led some to believe that the WNBA was not giving Clark the recognition she deserved and was trying to balance her popularity with her competitors.

During a recent episode of her podcast, Rachel DeMita expressed her concerns about how the WNBA was treating the Rookie of the Year differently compared to golf.

DeMita stated, “From what we’ve seen, there has been nothing but positive feedback about Caitlin Clark. Unlike the WNBA, where negative comments and a focus on toxicity were prevalent last season.”

Previously, when the WNBA chose to showcase Caitlin Clark’s game over the Minnesota Lynx’s preseason game, it caused backlash from Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. This sparked a debate over the league’s treatment of rookies and recognition from WNBA legends like Sheryl Swoopes, highlighting the differences between the two sports.

DeMita suggested that the WNBA seemed hesitant to praise Clark too much, unlike the LPGA, which welcomed her with open arms.

LPGA’s Positive Reception of Caitlin Clark

During the LPGA Pro-AM event, Caitlin Clark played alongside Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam, receiving praise for her skills. While the game wasn’t televised, fans could purchase tickets to watch her play. Various media outlets covered her performance and highlighted special moments.

Players like Sorenstam, Lincicome, and Korda commended Clark for her influence on women’s golf and the positive impact she was making. Despite a few mishits, Clark’s performance was well-received, with the World No. 1 acknowledging her talent.