Wyndham Clark clinched a spectacular victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, marking his first triumph since February 2024. Despite a challenging period with only one top-10 finish in 14 months, Clark’s remarkable final round of 60 secured a three-shot victory over contenders Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim. This win added to Clark’s already impressive resume.
At TPC Craig Ranch in Dallas, players experienced favorable conditions, leading to unusually low scores. The course underwent a $25 million renovation led by Lanny Wadkins to create a more challenging environment. However, Clark won with a score of 30-under, and seven players ended at 20-under or better, prompting widespread criticism of the course.
“They said they didn’t want 30 under winning the thing anymore, and I told them, don’t worry,” Wadkins said following the event.
Clark’s victory added another trophy to his collection, having previously triumphed at Quail Hollow, Los Angeles Country Club, Pebble Beach, and now TPC Craig Ranch. His adaptability across diverse courses is evident. Despite critics focusing on randomness, Clark’s ability to succeed under various conditions highlights his skill.
Ranked No. 3 in the world in April 2024, Clark’s performance was characterized by long drives and an excellent short game. At TPC Craig Ranch, his putting prowess was the key, leading the field in strokes gained: putting, gaining nearly 4.5 shots on the greens in the final round.
TPC Craig Ranch, criticized for being player-friendly, faced challenges due to weather conditions that softened the course. Significant rainfall led to marshmallow-soft conditions, and the lack of wind allowed players to capitalize on easy scoring opportunities.
LIV Golf seeks new investors as Saudi funding will cease post-2026. The league proposed a 10-event schedule worldwide, with the 2026 schedule including 12 events. LIV is reportedly seeking $250 to $350 million to sustain operations and projects profitability in three years. They highlight successful events in Australia and South Africa.
Another report suggests LIV may file for bankruptcy in the U.S., an unwelcome term for potential investors asked for hundreds of millions. The next LIV event in South Korea on May 28 adds uncertainty to the circuit’s future.
Mark Harris reports on professional golf for OutKick.
