Photo credit: www.skysports.com
Wyndham Clark has acknowledged the need to enhance his playing form in the coming months if he hopes to earn a place on Team USA and seek retribution against Team Europe at the Ryder Cup this September.
The former US Open champion participated in the recent tournament in Rome, where Team USA faced a disappointing defeat of 16.5-11.5 to Team Europe, marking a seventh consecutive loss for the American squad on foreign soil. Clark has since also represented the United States in the Olympics and the Presidents Cup.
Since clinching victory at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Clark has yet to win another title and has achieved only one top-ten finish on the PGA Tour this year, placing him outside the automatic qualifying positions for Keegan Bradley’s team competing at Bethpage Black.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of Team USA for three events now—Presidents Cup, Olympics, and Ryder Cup—but none have taken place on home soil, and I haven’t experienced the crowd cheering for me,” Clark shared on the Sky Sports Golf podcast. “It’s mostly been boos directed at me, so I really desire that home crowd experience. I have great respect for our captain, Keegan Bradley; he is a wonderful friend, and I am confident he will excel in his role.”
“I’m really hoping to be one of the 12 players. Right now, I need to improve my game significantly to secure my spot, but I’m optimistic about making the team,” he stated.
During the Ryder Cup, Clark partnered with Patrick Cantlay during the Saturday fourballs. Their match culminated in a dramatic last-hole win that incited tense encounters even in the car park, followed by Clark being the final player sent out for Sunday singles.
“I was really disappointed to find myself as the 12th man,” Clark reflected. “It could have come down to my match, impacting the overall outcome, but if things went south, I knew I wouldn’t be in the spotlight, which turned out to be the case. We had a good match against Bob McIntyre and me, but ultimately, we lost.”
“One thing I dislike about the Ryder Cup is the focus on individual records. It should emphasize the team effort rather than individual performances. That’s just my take!” he continued. “Losing left a bitter taste for me, and I yearn for revenge. It would be exhilarating to return home and deliver a decisive victory, just as they did to us.”
Future Prospects for Clark
Clark is set to return to competition at the Wells Fargo Championship, the tournament where he initially secured his first PGA Tour victory. Additionally, the following week’s PGA Championship will take place at the Quail Hollow Club, the site of his inaugural win.
“Quail Hollow poses a formidable challenge yet remains an incredible golf course. My first PGA Tour victory there is particularly special,” Clark commented. “Competing in a major at a course where I have previously succeeded is truly exciting. I feel that my game is steadily improving, and I sincerely hope I can showcase that during the tournament, as I believe the course suits my style.”
Clark followed his Wells Fargo Championship win by achieving his first major title at the US Open, where he triumphed with a narrow final-round victory over Rory McIlroy at the Los Angeles Country Club.
“Winning at Quail Hollow was probably a greater source of stress for me than anything else,” Clark admitted. “Overcoming the challenge of securing my initial PGA Tour title was momentous. That win demonstrated my capabilities to compete among the world’s elite.”
“Winning at LACC further solidified my belief in my abilities, showing that I belong among the best players globally. That victory served more as a significant boost in confidence than a pressure release,” he added.
“No matter the circumstances—whether it’s breaking through for your first victory, claiming your first major, or striving for what Rory achieved with a Grand Slam—pressure exists at different levels based on the individual. Achieving those milestones alleviates an enormous burden; it’s the culmination of relentless hard work and determination.”
To hear the complete podcast interview with Wyndham Clark, tune in to the latest episode of the Sky Sports Golf podcast, hosted weekly by Jamie Weir. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker, with vodcast editions available on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel.
Source
www.skysports.com