Wyndham Clark, after winning the 2023 U.S. Open, seemed poised to significantly elevate his PGA Tour career. Though expectations were high, the momentum didn’t sustain as anticipated. However, Clark secured the CJ Cup Byron Nelson title at TPC Craig Ranch, marking his first PGA Tour win since February 2024. He finished the event with an impressive 30-under, outperforming Si Woo Kim by three shots.
In golf, there’s a saying that some tournaments are won while others are lost. Clark exemplified this by delivering an outstanding 11-under 60 during the final round. He came close to posting a sub-60 round, nearly holing out on the 72nd hole for an eagle. If achieved, Clark would have become the 16th player in PGA Tour history to achieve this feat.
“Clark demonstrated a tournament-winning performance, not one reliant on others faltering,” explained those who observed his game, referencing Si Woo Kim’s admirable effort. Kim began the final round leading by two shots over Clark and Scottie Scheffler. Kim completed the round with a strong six-under 65 but couldn’t match Clark’s extraordinary play.
Clark’s victory marked a significant turnaround, especially after missing the cut at the PGA Championship earlier in May. Before this, his last wins were at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the 2023 U.S. Open.
Clark’s journey on the PGA Tour began with a notable performance at the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship, marking his first career win. In February 2024, he delivered a course-record 60 during the third round at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am; the final round was halted due to rain, and the event concluded as a 54-hole competition with Clark declared the winner.
Clark saw near victories at other major events, including a close tie for second at the 2024 PLAYERS Championship. Within about a year, he secured three titles, including one major. His triumphs led him to the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
As success rose, so did expectations, placing pressure on both Clark and his audience. His performance between 2023 and 2024 didn’t sustain in the subsequent year. In 2025, the now-32-year-old Clark struggled, earning only two top-10s in 24 events. He missed the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open, an occasion notable for his locker room outburst at Oakmont Country Club.
Despite being left out of the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team, Clark expressed eagerness to improve his performance at major tournaments. During his interview with CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis, Clark reflected on his challenges.
His efforts resulted in a top-5 spot at the 2025 Open Championship, despite missing the cut in five of his last ten major entries. The top-5 finish was his only major top-10 since his 2023 U.S. Open victory.
As Clark looks forward to the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, beginning on June 18, he aims to advance his major performances. Dan Zaksheske reports for OutKick.