Caitlin Clark, a standout athlete for the Indiana Fever, recently shared her thoughts on the formidable difficulty posed by Oakmont Golf Course, especially as witnessed during the U.S. Open. Despite her remarkable athletic abilities, Clark acknowledged on social media that even the top golfers struggle to score well there, and she doubted she could perform successfully on that course.

Clark’s impressive return to basketball after a quad injury was evident during Indiana’s game against the New York Liberty, where she led her team with 32 points and also contributed significantly in assists, blocks, and steals. Off the court, her passion for golf grew, particularly during her first WNBA offseason, as she closely followed major golf events like the U.S. Open.

The Tough Conditions at Oakmont Observed by Experts

The U.S. Open at Oakmont showcased just how challenging the course is, with only two players managing to score under par through the final day. A severe weather delay due to heavy rain further complicated the tournament. Mark Harris, a golf analyst for OutKick, highlighted the difficulty by comparing playing at Oakmont to an NBA player who wears glasses or contacts but must go without them for every shot except one.

“an NBA player who wears glasses or contacts, but every other shot you take, you can’t wear your glasses or contacts.”

—Mark Harris, Golf Expert

Why Clark Chooses to Focus on Basketball Instead of Tackling Oakmont

Recognizing the extreme challenge of Oakmont, Caitlin Clark has made it clear she does not plan to attempt playing there. Instead, she intends to concentrate her efforts on dominating the WNBA and contributing to its growth and success, including maintaining profitable ticket sales for Indiana Fever games. Her thoughtful reflection shows an athlete who understands both her strengths and the limits she’s willing to respect.