Wyndham Clark’s inclusion in the USA Olympic team was controversial, and the 2023 US Open champion endured a difficult start to his first round.
Clark is currently ranked fifth in the OWGR and qualified for the American team alongside Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
Despite making the team on merit, many US fans were angry with Clark’s inclusion due to his poor 2024 form.
Furthermore, Bryson DeChambeau’s electric major championship form also led to calls for the LIV Golf star to make the Olympic team, which in turn heaped further scrutiny on Clark. DeChambeau has recently claimed that he would welcome a qualifying event.
After a slow start at Le Golf National, US fans have been quick to vent their frustration on social media.
USA fans slam Wyndham Clark’s slow start at the 2024 Olympics
Clark would’ve been looking for a steady first round in Paris, with pars and avoiding any major trouble being the initial goal.
After nearly finding the water on the first, the 30-year-old dropped a shot on his opening hole before finding the hazard on the second, leading to a double bogey. Another dropped shot followed on the par-five third to cap a disastrous start.
And USA fans haven’t held back on X.
“After this Olympic performance, can we ban Wyndham Clark from re-entering the country? Thanks,” a fan wrote. Another added, “Hundreds of golfers more deserving than Wyndham Clark out there, zero reason for him to be playing right now.”
This X account even claimed Clark shouldn’t be anywhere near professional golf. “Wyndham Clark should be nowhere near professional golf, let alone the Olympics,” they wrote.
Another said, “It’s unbelievable how bad Wyndham Clark is at golf.” There were also calls for DeChambeau to be on the team.
This fan wrote: “Wyndham Clark being 4+ through 5 holes isn’t going to help quiet the ‘Bryson should be at the #Olympics‘ crowd #Golf.”
Finally, some sympathy was shown to the 2023 US Open champion. “Wyndham Clark has really struggled this year. I feel bad for the guy, but he shouldn’t be on the Olympic team this year,” said this fan.
Thankfully, Clark steadied the ship somewhat on the back nine after making birdies on nine, ten and 14, but another double would follow on the 15th.
Wyndham Clark can still salvage something the 2024 season
Clark’s form in the majors has been woeful in 2024. The American only made the cut at the US Open, where he finished well out of contention.
One positive for the 30-year-old is that he’s still well in contention for the FedEx Cup. His win at Pebble Beach and runner-up finish at The Players means he’s well-placed to contend at East Lake at the end of August.
Things might not be going well at the moment, but as we all know, form can quickly turn around in the game of golf. One good round is all that’s required for the American.
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