The WNBA is spreading its wings with the expansion draft and ever-growing fanbase. Looking at the opportunity and growth, the WNBA is even considering joining the NBA for its European expansion. But the impact is not limited to basketball alone.
A rising star in golf, Blades Brown, became a household name for his performance on the PGA Tour. Some even compared his strokes to Rory McIlroy, who at a young age hit dream putts at Hollywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland.
Blade Brown’s WNBA Connection
The young golfer caught many eyeballs when he shot an incredible 60 in the second round. It was a course record that instantly put him in the spotlight. While many saw a natural athlete in the star, it was evident that the player had some athletic background.
As it happens, his mother, Rhonda Blades Brown, is also a history-maker, becoming the first pick in the 1998 WNBA expansion draft. She’s also the first player in WNBA history to hit a three-pointer.
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18-year-old Blades Brown headed into Sunday tied for 2nd in The American Express, the PGA’s second event of the year after setting a course record on Friday when he shot an incredible 60 in the second round.
His mother also knows… pic.twitter.com/HN9pvtf6Ay
While Brown played in the league for only two seasons, she began her coaching career at Brentwood Academy. In her 17-year career as a coach, the side reached nine state championship finals and won five titles. Looking at her son’s progress and ball-hitting abilities, the young star would become one of the great golfers. He already has a record as the youngest medalist or co-medalist in U.S. Amateur history in 2023.
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The following summer, he medaled at the 2024 U.S. Junior, too, to put himself on a list with only Tiger Woods and Bobby Clampett as players to medal in both USGA championships. While the player draws inspiration from his mother, another young golfer is looking to make an impact like his favorite WNBA star.
Kai Trump Takes Inspiration From WNBA Star Caitlin Clark
The Anneka Pro AM golf event brought together athletes and celebrities from different sports. While Clark teams up with NCAA Champ Lauryn Nguyen as Gold Partner, other athletes and stars also felt her influence on the course. One of them was Kai Trump, the youngest player at the event.
During her presser, a reporter askedthe young golfer about the Fever guard and her impact. Kai said, “Yeah, I mean, what Caitlyn’s doing for women’s basketball, it’s amazing. I think she’s a great role model to many people out there.”
Incidentally, Kai Trump is the granddaughter of President Donald Trump and an emerging player on the golf circuit.