If you thought Caitlin Clark’s Pro-Am event was going to be a chill day on the course, think again. Somehow, someway, even a golf fairway managed to turn into another episode of “What Is Wrong With People?” — and this one involved police stepping in after an elderly man insisted he was Sophie Cunningham’s boyfriend. Yes. Really.
This whole situation went from weird to sad to dangerous in a matter of minutes.
A “Boyfriend” That Never Existed
So here’s how it all unraveled.
Caitlin Clark is out there doing her thing at the Annika Pro-Am. Sophie Cunningham? She’s one of the celebrity caddies. They’re walking the 10th fairway, trying to enjoy the event, when suddenly a man — appearing to be in his 70s — starts shouting Sophie’s name. Repeatedly. Loudly. Like he expected her to stop mid-fairway and run into his arms.
She doesn’t. Obviously.
Two police officers assigned to the group step in. And that’s when it gets wild.
The guy tells them — completely straight-faced — that he is Sophie Cunningham’s boyfriend and that he needs to talk to her immediately. When asked for ID, he complies but tells the officers it’s “not necessary” because, again… he’s Sophie’s man.
At this point the officers are already giving the universal oh no look.
The Catfish Reveal
Now here’s the heartbreaking part.
The man pulls out his phone and shows the officers screenshots — messages he believed were from Sophie Cunningham. Turns out, he had been convinced into sending nearly $2,000 in gift cards to whoever was behind that fake account.
Someone catfished him so convincingly that he showed up to a real event thinking his “girlfriend” Sophie needed him there.
That’s not just sad — that’s dangerous.
The officers tried telling him it was a scam. But in true catfish-victim fashion, he wasn’t ready to hear it. The man insisted Sophie could personally verify everything. He just needed “one minute” with her.
Eventually a sheriff’s golf cart pulled up, and they escorted him off the course. Even while being removed, the guy was asking, “So you’re ejecting me for talking to my girlfriend?”
Just a brutal moment all around.
Meanwhile… Sophie Accidentally Hit a Spectator
And because this event wasn’t chaotic enough already…
Earlier in the day, Sophie Cunningham accidentally blasted a tee shot directly into the gallery and drilled a spectator. Four dudes immediately dropped to the ground like they were auditioning to be the one Sophie hugged.
One guy even did the “I’m down bad but worth it” flop.
Sophie, clearly mortified, buried her head in Caitlin Clark’s shoulder before running over to the fan — hugging him, taking a photo, and signing the ball that hit him. Pure Sophie moment.
Catfishing in Women’s Sports Is Becoming a Real Problem
Here’s the bigger issue: this isn’t a one-off.
The Athletic reported that catfishing schemes targeting women athletes — especially in the LPGA — are exploding. People are showing up to tournaments truly believing they have dinner dates arranged with players. Others show up angry because they think the athlete “took their money.”
It’s insane. It’s dangerous. And it’s happening constantly.
With AI voice cloning, fake images, and social media impersonation becoming easier than ever, it’s only getting worse. Older people are especially vulnerable. Many don’t know what to look for. They trust too easily. And scammers know exactly how to take advantage of that.
This 70-year-old man isn’t some villain. He’s a victim who was completely manipulated — emotionally and financially.
But the scary part is what could happen if security hadn’t stepped in.
A Sign of the Times — And a Warning
What should’ve been a fun, harmless event featuring Caitlin Clark — one of the biggest sports stars on earth — turned into a reminder of the world we’re living in now.
Athletes can’t take chances. Security can’t take chances. Fans shouldn’t take chances.
And older folks? They’re sitting ducks for this kind of scam unless someone steps in or educates them.
The man wasn’t there to hurt anybody. But the next person in a situation like this might not be so harmless. That’s the real fear.
Caitlin Clark already draws massive crowds everywhere she goes. Add in celebrity caddies, national media attention, and a chaotic fan culture — you’re going to see more of these situations.
This one ended without anyone getting hurt. But it easily could’ve gone another direction.
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