As Wyndham Clark prepares to defend his U.S. Open title, he reflects on his eventful year.
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 6, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/WkTFQv5r40 pic.twitter.com/YL0O9AQNj5
Wyndham Clark, the reigning U.S. Open champion, continues to acclimate to his recent attainment of significant championship status one year after his impressive victory. In anticipation of defending his title at Pinehurst No. 2 next week, he ponders upon the busy and eventful year that has ensued since triumphing at Los Angeles Country Club.
“It’s been pretty awesome. Winning the U.S. Open has given me a chance to do some pretty cool things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise,” Clark shared on Wednesday at Muirfield Village Golf Club, where he is set to compete in the Memorial Tournament. “It’s been an amazing year for me.”
One of his most memorable moments was being a representative of America at the Ryder Cup, an experience he deemed a “truly surreal encounter.” Although Clark experienced high points in his career so far, he admits that clinching the championship title still rattles his senses.
He said, “Wherever I go, it’s always ‘U.S. Open champion’ this and that, though getting accustomed to such feedback is taking me some time,” which he shared after participating in the Memorial pro-am tournament.
Initially, winning felt like a moment detached from reality- something inexplicably gigantic until gradually growing on him over time, making everything seem more seemly now than ever”.
Since his victory over Rory McIlroy, Clark has experienced both highs and lows. Ranked fourth in the world, he struggled to find his form for the rest of the season but finished strong with third place at the Tour Championship.
In 2024, his performance was irregular. He won the weather-cut AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after shooting a course-record of 60 in round three. Moreover, he earned consecutive runner-up positions at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship tournaments. Nevertheless, his inconsistency was evident when he failed to meet cut-offs during the Masters and PGA Championship matches.
With his title defense looming, Wyndham Clark has been focused and reserved at Muirfield Village, aiming to avoid a third consecutive missed cut in majors. He tees off at 10:05 a.m. local time on Thursday alongside two-time Memorial winner Patrick Cantlay.
“I’ve played a lot of good golf this year, but my timing hasn’t always been good,” Clark acknowledged. “Pebble Beach was awesome. Had some other chances. Not a lot to be unhappy about.”’
Having visited Pinehurst No. 2 for media day in early May, Clark is preparing for the challenge. “It was pretty benign then. I’m sure it will be much tougher when we get there,” he said. “Much of it will be about the second shots out there, much like LACC.”
As he gears up for the Memorial Tournament and his U.S. Open defense, Wyndham Clark embraces the preparations and recognition of being a major champion.
