Wyndham Clark is unlikely to ever be one of the most popular PGA Tour players in the eyes of the fans.
Like most players, Wyndham Clark probably wants to be adored by those behind the ropes. He is a major champion who has played at the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and the Olympic Games.
However, Clark has not helped himself with some of his actions over the years.
Why Wyndham Clark is not a fan favourite on the PGA Tour
Most famously, Clark was banned from Oakmont after last year’s US Open having damaged the locker room after he let his temper boil over.
His first attempt at an apology also baffled many, with Clark seemingly more determined to talk about trying to make the 2025 Ryder Cup team.
The incident came the month after he was extremely lucky to not hit a volunteer when he threw his driver in frustration on one tee at the PGA Championship.
Clark has also been on the receiving end of a backlash after previously calling for the PGA Tour to involve just 100 players. It was not lost on many that he only made the suggestion in the months after becoming a major champion and enjoying a rapid rise up the ranks.
He was also ridiculed for claiming ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup that he was a better player than Rory McIlroy.
Despite the issues, Clark does not appear to be a bad person by any means. Instead, he seems to really struggle to read the room.
Wyndham Clark should embrace being the pantomime villain
Much like Bryson DeChambeau, it does not come across at all well when Clark tries to show humility.
So it was refreshing to see him embrace being the pantomime villain on Saturday as he put on an American ice hockey jersey while playing the Rink Hole at TPC Toronto during the RBC Canadian Open.
It was a move that he would have known would have annoyed the crowd. And what made it all the more impressive was Clark making a birdie while still wearing the jersey after a sublime tee shot.
DeChambeau saw his popularity rise quite organically once he started being himself. He is never going to win over everyone. But few would have ever imagined the scenes that would follow once he won the US Open at Pinehurst in 2024.
Clark does not have DeChambeau’s charisma on the golf course. But the PGA Tour is seriously lacking bad guys. There is an opportunity for Clark to embrace that side of himself and become a real plus for the tour.
He does not need to go over the top. But when there is a chance to silence the crowds, Clark should look to take it with both hands – and give a smug smile as he does so.
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