In the recent Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, Denver-born golf star Wyndham Clark showcased an unprecedented move on the course that caught everyone’s attention. Just two shots shy of the lead going into the third round, Clark, who finished the previous year’s tournament as runner-up to Scottie Scheffler, was determined to maintain his strong performance. Clark’s track record boasts a similar second-place finish behind the world number one at the 2024 Players Championship, proving his consistency in delivering top-notch performances.
On the first day of the tournament, Clark took advantage of the tranquil afternoon environment to wrap up the day with a score of 67, five under par. The next round, however, presented a different story. Clark encountered a challenging situation on the 460-yard 15th hole after securing three birdies.
Despite his first tee shot going out of bounds, Clark displayed his resilience by landing his third shot on the fairway, only to miss the green on his subsequent approach. His subsequent bunker shot was less impressive, but Clark managed to salvage the situation by sinking a 21-foot putt for a double bogey. His relief was palpable, leading to a fist-pump celebration, a gesture he admitted was a first for him after scoring a six.
“I’ve never fist-pumped a double bogey before,” Clark confessed during his post-round press conference. He explained that the hole was exceptionally challenging and that he was aggravated with his tee shot. Yet, he understood the significance of keeping the momentum going. He acknowledged that every shot is crucial, and his fist pump was more of an internal motivation, propelling him to navigate the final three holes.
However, Clark’s round wasn’t without controversy. On the third hole, his tee shot seemed to land in a pre-existing pitch mark, causing a stir among golf fans who believed Clark’s ball had bounced. Clark proceeded to take relief in accordance with USGA rules, under the presumption that his ball was lodged in its own pitch mark.
Upon closer examination of the video footage, it became apparent that Clark’s ball had indeed created an indent, bounced out, and then spun back into the new pitch mark, a rare occurrence on the golf course. Despite being over 300 yards away, Clark insisted he saw the ball become embedded on landing. Critics may voice their dissatisfaction but judging the 2023 US Open champion harshly in this scenario might be unjustified.
As the Arnold Palmer Invitational unfolded, Clark’s performance, marked by his unusual celebration and a contentious ruling, stood out, adding an intriguing twist to the tournament. Despite the challenges, Clark’s unwavering determination is a testament to his character and skill on the golf course.
