Women’s Golf Seeks Its Caitlin Clark: Can the Sport Attract 20m Viewers?

Women’s golf is on the hunt for its own Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star who recently captured the attention of 20 million viewers in women’s college basketball. As the Chevron Championship kicks off this week, all eyes are on World No.1 Nelly Korda, who is vying for her fifth consecutive title.

Korda, a one-time Major winner and Olympic Gold medallist, acknowledges the need for women’s golf to have a bigger platform. She emphasizes the importance of being on TV and the detrimental impact of tape delay on the game. With the Chevron set to be broadcast on Golf Channel, Peacock, and ESPN+, Korda hopes that this exposure will help showcase the talent and passion of women golfers.

While the women’s game may not yet attract the same viewership numbers as men’s golf or other sports, Korda remains optimistic about its growth potential. She believes that providing a stage for women golfers to shine will ultimately drive more attention and interest in the sport.

With Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley praising Caitlin Clark as a “unicorn” and emphasizing the appeal of amateur athletes, the spotlight is on rising stars like Korda to inspire and captivate fans. As the Chevron offers a record-breaking prize purse this year, the competition is fierce with the world’s top players teeing up for a shot at glory.

As women’s golf continues to evolve and expand its reach, the hope is that more players like Korda will emerge to elevate the game and attract a broader audience. With determination and passion, the future of women’s golf looks bright, and the stage is set for a new era of excellence and excitement in the sport.