Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson Go ‘Inside the Ropes’ as Guest Caddies at the THE ANNIKA
As the world’s best female golfers teed it up at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, Andretti INDYCAR drivers Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson went inside the ropes for a special opportunity at the event’s Official Pro-Am at Pelican Golf Club. Herta and Ericsson, representing the Group 1001 family of companies, Andretti INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, served as guest caddies for World Golf and LPGA Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam, Rolex World No. 1 LPGA player Nelly Korda and WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
Hosted by Sorenstam and sponsored by Gainbridge, The ANNIKA showcased 120 of the world’s top female golfers competing for a $3.25 million purse, one of the largest on the LPGA Tour. In addition to its long-standing support of motorsports, Gainbridge invests over 40 percent of their sports sponsorship dollars in women’s sports. After highlighting Gainbridge’s commitment to women’s sports at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach earlier in the season, Gainbridge further showcased their sports sponsorship portfolio by integrating Herta and Ericsson into tournament week festivities at The ANNIKA.
To kick off tournament week at The ANNIKA, the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda and No. 28 Delaware Life Honda showcars were displayed at the front entrance. Fans could take photos with the showcars and read informational signage to learn more about Herta, Ericsson and the INDYCAR SERIES. On Wednesday, Herta and Ericsson arrived at Pelican Golf Club to take part in the Official Pro-Am. Both drivers wore caddie bibs that resembled the firesuit colors and car numbers they are known for on track. As they walked all 18 holes of the course, Herta and Ericsson got an inside look on how Korda and Sorenstam read the greens and strategized their club selections. They even got the chance to mingle with Clark throughout her round.
“I was in awe being able to walk inside the ropes with Annika, Nelly and Caitlin,” Herta said. “Watching their game up close was really special, and I am thankful that I was able to share this experience with Marcus.”
The following day, Herta and Ericsson participated in an autograph session at the main entrance, where fans were able to get pictures with the drivers and the showcars during the opening round of the tournament. Ericsson also got a chance to get his first golf lesson from Sorenstam.
“As a newfound golf enthusiast, I never thought I would have the opportunity to experience something like The ANNIKA,” Ericsson said. “It was exciting to watch Nelly, Annika and Caitlin and see how talented they are on the course. We had a great time together, and I can’t thank Gainbridge enough for the last few days at Pelican Golf Club.”
