The WM Phoenix Open wasted no time delivering drama, as Wyndham Clark emerged as the early frontrunner with a sensational opening round at TPC Scottsdale.
The 31-year-old American put on a masterclass of resilience and shot-making, carding a stunning seven-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead. But it wasn’t just his score that had fans buzzing—it was his ability to recover from near disaster that set the tone for a thrilling tournament.
Clark’s Jaw-Dropping Recovery on 17 – A Statement Under Pressure
Clark’s round wasn’t just about the birdies—it was about his mental toughness.
The defining moment came on the par-4 17th hole, where his tee shot found the water. But instead of letting frustration dictate his game, Clark showed incredible composure, executing a perfect pitch to save par and keep his round on track.
“Needless to say, that’s a birdie hole, and to hit it in the water and not really have a birdie look is kind of unfortunate,” Clark admitted.
“But to come away with a par was awesome – that was huge.”
It was the kind of gut-check moment that separates contenders from pretenders.
A Blazing Start – Birdie Blitz Puts Clark in Control
Clark set the tone right from the start, opening his round with a birdie barrage—five straight birdies—that catapulted him to the top of the leaderboard.
“You can’t necessarily control the score and what happens to your golf ball, but you can control your thoughts,” Clark reflected.
“So it was a good reminder for me to get back to, hey, when I’m playing my best, I look at the glass more half full than I do half empty.”
With a fresh mindset and razor-sharp execution, Clark made his presence felt at a tournament that demands both precision and guts.
Scottie Scheffler – The Silent Threat Lurking at 69
While Clark may have taken the early lead, all eyes remain on Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 and the most dangerous man in the field.
Scheffler’s round of 69 may not have been headline-grabbing, but his history at TPC Scottsdale suggests that he’s only getting started.
The 28-year-old American pulled off one of the shots of the day, holing out from a greenside bunker on the 10th for eagle, proving yet again that he has the firepower to chase down any leader.
The big question: Can he flip the switch and storm up the leaderboard in typical Scheffler fashion?
If history is any indication, the answer is yes.
Can Clark Hold On? Or Will Scheffler and the Field Come Roaring Back?
The WM Phoenix Open is far from over, and day one’s fireworks are just the beginning.
- Clark has the hot hand, but can he maintain the lead with the field closing in?
- Scheffler is lurking, and history says he’s only getting stronger as the tournament progresses.
- The unpredictable energy of TPC Scottsdale could set the stage for another unforgettable finish.
One thing is certain: this tournament just got interesting.
And with more drama guaranteed, golf fans better buckle up—because the WM Phoenix Open is just getting started.