Wyndham Clark’s Rollercoaster Journey in Golf Competitions

After winning the 2023 U.S. Open, many believed Wyndham Clark would advance his career to new heights. Yet, his trajectory did not unfold as anticipated. On Sunday, Clark claimed victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson held at TPC Craig Ranch, marking his first PGA Tour win since February 2024. Clark finished 30-under for the event, surpassing Si Woo Kim by three strokes.

There’s a common belief in golf: “some tournaments are won and some are lost.” Clark secured the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with a remarkable 11-under 60 in the final round. He nearly achieved an eagle on the 72nd hole, which would have resulted in a round of 59. Had his final approach succeeded, Clark would have been the 16th player to post a sub-60 round in PGA Tour history.

Kim entered the last round with a two-shot lead, ahead of Clark and Scottie Scheffler. Kim performed well, shooting six-under 65. Yet, he couldn’t match Clark’s exceptional result. This event was undeniably Clark’s victory rather than Kim’s defeat.

The win marked a significant recovery for Clark, who had missed the cut earlier in the PGA Championship. His last event victory was in the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and he hadn’t won a full tournament since the 2023 U.S. Open.

Before that major win, Clark secured his inaugural PGA Tour victory at the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship. In February 2024, he won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am setting a course record with a 60 during the third round. However, the final round was rained out, leading to a shortened 54-hole tournament where Clark was declared the winner.

Clark nearly triumphed at the 2024 PLAYERS Championship, tying for second place. Despite previously never winning a PGA Tour event, he captured three titles in less than a year and almost clinched a fourth. He even joined the 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

Success brought heightened expectations from fans and Clark himself. Unfortunately, his performance in 2025 fell short. Clark finished the year without a win, achieving only two top-10 placements in 24 tournaments. He missed the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open and drew attention after angrily damaging a locker at Oakmont Country Club.

In a post-round interview with CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis, Clark candidly discussed his earlier struggles. Being left off the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team was a major setback, though he managed a top-5 finish at the 2025 Open Championship. Still, Clark missed the cut in half of his recent major starts. His T4 at the Open remains his sole top-10 finish in a major since his 2023 U.S. Open victory.

Clark’s next chance for redemption will be at the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club starting on June 18.

By Dan Zaksheske, OutKick reporter