Wyndham Clark makes claim about his golf at the Olympics which Tommy Fleetwood may well disagree with
Wyndham Clark has been the center of both praise and criticism throughout the 2024 golf season, and recent remarks about his performance at the Olympics are likely to spark debate among his peers. Clark, who is currently ranked fifth in the world, had a tumultuous year, particularly in the major championships. Despite winning the 2023 US Open, his form in subsequent majors was lackluster, with missed cuts in three out of four tournaments and a particularly tough outing at The Open Championship, where he struggled severely on the 15th hole during the second round.
As the Olympic Games approached, there was significant debate among American golf fans about Clark’s selection. His performance in the opening round of the Olympics did little to quell the criticism, as he shot a 75, leaving him in a challenging position. However, Clark responded with an impressive comeback, shooting three outstanding rounds to finish at 11 under par, narrowly missing out on a medal.
In recent comments made ahead of the BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club in Denver, Clark reflected on his Olympic experience and his overall season. He suggested that his performance at the Travelers Championship, where he secured a back-door top 10 finish, marked the beginning of a turnaround in his form. He also mentioned that he had a similar finish at the Scottish Open, though his play at The Open Championship was disappointing, as it did not align with his expectations.
Regarding his Olympic performance, Clark expressed frustration with his first-round score but was ultimately pleased with his improvement. He noted that if not for a few mistakes, including hitting the ball into the water and missing some short putts, his first round could have been much better, possibly even positioning him for a bronze medal. Despite his initial difficulties, Clark felt that he played exceptional golf in the subsequent rounds, claiming that, aside from Scottie Scheffler, no one else performed better over the weekend.
Clark’s assertion that he played the best golf over the final three days—except for Scheffler—may not sit well with his competitors. Tommy Fleetwood, representing Team GB, and Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama, among others, had stronger overall performances than Clark. Additionally, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Victor Perez all had more successful weeks in comparison to the American.
Clark’s bold statements could potentially fuel further criticism from his detractors. His self-assured remarks might provide additional ammunition for those who question his consistency and ability to remain competitive at the highest level. As Clark prepares for the upcoming BMW Championship, all eyes will be on him to see if he can validate his confident claims and perform at the level he believes he is capable of.
With the spotlight firmly on Clark, his performance at Castle Pines will be closely scrutinized, and his ability to back up his recent statements will be critical in shaping his reputation for the remainder of the season.