Wyndham Clark has found himself at the centre of the headlines after the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and not necessarily for the right reasons.
The 30-year-old’s final round of 70 wasn’t enough to trouble Scottie Scheffler, who cruised to a five-shot victory at Bay Hill.
Clark’s final round never got going, with an inconsistent front nine extinguishing his hopes of overhauling Scheffler.
It was an excellent performance from the 2022 Masters champion, and he is now in fantastic form heading into a vital part of the season.
As for Clark, it was an eventful weekend. The 30-year-old was embroiled in a cheating scandal, having allegedly improved his lie during his set-up on the 18th.
Furthermore, after his fourth round, his comments regarding restructuring the PGA Tour certainly ruffled a few feathers.
Andrew Coltart reacts to Wyndham Clark PGA Tour comments
Clark told GOLF.com: “I think it would be amazing if our Tour was 100 guys. I’ve kind of said this before: we should have 20 guys who get relegated, no matter who you are. I think it would be exciting because you come down to the end of the year, people are looking at who’s going to win the FedEx and then you’re looking at who’s not going to be here next year.”
He added: “I am probably with Rory on that. I don’t know what that number is. I just think it’s nice to elevate the product and make it to where the best players are playing on TV more often and against each other.”
“I am probably with Rory on that. I don’t know what that number is. I just think it’s nice to elevate the product and make it to where the best players are playing on TV more often and against each other.”
Sky Sports pundit Andrew Coltart has since responded on X and disagreed with Clark’s idea, questioning the lack of “jeopardy”.
“Yeah, where’s the jeopardy, where’s the cutthroat, where’s the Cinderella story when you give money to a small group of players even when they play poorly? There should always be a cut if you want to get paid. I want to see guys like Jake Knapp, and Nick Dunlap storm to victory,” he said.
Is Wyndham Clark right?
Clark’s comments have certainly caused a stir. DP World Tour golfer Richard Mansell has told the 30-year-old to “remember where” he came from after his latest PGA Tour suggestion.
The emergence of LIV Golf has rocked the Tour, and improvements must be made to safeguard its future.
But making the Tour more inclusive is certainly up for debate. Clark’s idea would benefit the elite and make life difficult for lesser-known players.
Some of the magic would undoubtedly be lost. The US Open champion was once a name nobody had heard of. He has the Tour’s current set-up to thank for his rise to stardom.
As Mansell alluded to, he must remember where his journey began.
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