Caitlin Clark at Augusta: A Journey of Reflection, Joy, and Growth

Caitlin Clark, the breakout basketball phenom and household name, recently swapped the hardwood for hallowed turf—visiting Augusta National during the Masters for the very first time. But rather than making headlines with game-winning shots, Clark made an impression by simply being present, genuine, and refreshingly human.

For someone who’s always in motion—breaking records, dodging defenders, and leading her teams—this trip wasn’t about competition. It was about slowing down. And in doing so, Caitlin gave fans a rare, intimate look at another side of her: one that finds joy in quiet walks, peach ice cream sandwiches, and the mental challenge of golf.

First Impressions: “It’s Like a Postcard”

Clark’s eyes lit up describing her arrival at Augusta. “You see it on TV, but being here is just… different. It’s like a postcard. Every direction you look—it’s perfect.” She admitted what many Masters patrons eventually realize: TV doesn’t do the hills justice. “My legs were sore,” she laughed, joking that simply walking the course became her preseason conditioning.

Yet it was that playful spirit and willingness to poke fun at herself that set the tone for her time there. Whether she was marveling at the views, cheering for others, or mapping out her next snack stop, Caitlin embraced Augusta not as an icon—but as a fan, just like the rest of us.

The Food, The Family, The Fun

Sharing the experience with her family was clearly a highlight. “My brother and dad were here the minute the gates opened,” she said, describing their early-morning adventure across the course, even before the players teed off. “They can’t get enough of it.”

Caitlin didn’t hold back on trying the famous food either. Her favorite? “The Georgia peach ice cream sandwich. I had a couple yesterday—I’m gonna need to condition a little more when I get back to Indianapolis,” she joked. While she passed on the pimento cheese, the honey wheat chicken salad sandwich became her go-to.

Beyond the snacks, Caitlin gave a nod to the Augusta merchandise tent—a famously overwhelming experience. “I’ve been watching TikTok hauls so I can have a strategy. You gotta go in with a plan!” She laughed, already planning to stock up on gifts for friends and family, especially coffee mugs—essential for a self-proclaimed “caffeine queen.”

Golf as a Mental Reset

While Caitlin’s basketball resume is filled with accolades, her love of golf has quietly grown in the background. She recalled getting her first set of bright pink clubs as a kid and begging her dad to take her golfing. “I wasn’t very good—still not—but I loved being outside. I loved the challenge.”

For Clark, golf offers what basketball often doesn’t: solitude. “It’s a battle with yourself,” she said. “It makes you mentally tough.” That internal focus, learning to move on from mistakes, and managing nerves—all mirror lessons from the court.

And she’s not alone. Many WNBA players are showing interest in the sport, and Clark has become somewhat of a golf ambassador within her team. “Some of my teammates ask me how to swing a club. I’m like, ‘I’ll help you!’ We’ll find a course—even if it’s public and we leave some divots. That’s how you learn.”

From Court to Course: Embracing the Crossover

In recent months, Caitlin’s golfing experiences have taken an incredible turn. She played rounds with Nelly Korda, strolled fairways with LPGA legends like Annika Sörenstam, and even teed off alongside Jon Rahm and Max Homa. Her reaction? “I’ve never been so nervous in my life. With basketball, I know I’m okay. With golf—you never know.”

And while she doesn’t pretend to be the next MJ—who famously dropped 35 points after a morning round—she deeply connects with stories of athletes like Steph Curry, who find peace and purpose in golf. “It’s calming, it resets you,” she said. “It’s a mental reset that brings clarity.”

What struck Caitlin most, however, wasn’t just the gameplay—it was the community. The golf world welcomed her with open arms. “It’s so cool that people are excited I like the sport,” she said. “They’ve sent me clubs, invited me to pro-ams—it’s been awesome.”

Bridging Sports, Elevating Women

One of Caitlin’s most powerful reflections was on the crossover potential between women’s golf and basketball. “Hopefully, golf fans start watching women’s basketball, and our fans check out the LPGA,” she said. “There’s so much we can do when we support each other.”

She understands her influence and wants to use it to highlight more than just individual excellence. Whether she’s draining threes or slicing fairway shots, Caitlin is passionate about creating space for women in every arena—and encouraging joy in the process.

A Magical Escape

When asked to define the magic of Augusta, Caitlin didn’t hesitate. “It’s probably the most magical place I’ve ever been,” she said sincerely. “No phones. Everyone’s present. You feel the energy—it’s unmatched.”

For once, Caitlin wasn’t the one in the spotlight. She was simply walking the course with her family, savoring each view, each moment, each breath. And in doing so, she reminded us that greatness isn’t always about the game—it’s about gratitude, presence, and the people you share it with.

As Caitlin returns to the court for a new WNBA season, fans can expect the same fierce competitor. But thanks to Augusta, we’ve also met Caitlin the golfer, the sister, the dreamer—and we’re all better for it.