During a recent appearance on Golf Channel, Wyndham Clark offered one of his most transparent interviews in recent memory, touching on everything from his swing changes and mental reset to the evolving direction of the PGA Tour.
Speaking ahead of one of his favorite stops on Tour, Clark sounded energized and optimistic, embracing both the challenges of his past season and the opportunities in front of him. From owning up to a regrettable U.S. Open incident to explaining the technical tweaks helping him rediscover form, the reigning major champion made it clear: he’s ready to bounce back.
A “Home Game” Atmosphere and Owning His U.S. Open Mistake
Clark described the Waste Management Phoenix Open as something close to a personal holiday, joking that his agent and manager field more than 100 ticket requests during the week. For the Colorado native who now calls Arizona home, the event feels like a true home game.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Clark said. “For me, it’s like a home game. I couldn’t ask for a better event.”
But the interview also turned serious when Clark addressed last year’s U.S. Open incident, where he damaged a locker at Oakmont Country Club, a moment he didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for.
“Obviously I screwed up and did something I deeply regret,” Clark admitted. He added that he felt terrible, especially considering his status as a U.S. Open champion competing at such a historic venue.
Still, Clark revealed an unexpected silver lining: the incident helped snap him out of a mental funk.
“It woke me up a little bit,” he explained. After feeling down in the dumps, Clark said he’s now back in a great spirit with golf, motivated to work harder and excited about the season ahead. That renewed mindset has translated directly into practice sessions and preparation, as he focuses on proving he can still play the elite-level golf fans have come to expect.
Simplifying His Swing and Finding Momentum Again
A big part of Clark’s resurgence has been returning to fundamentals with Pat Coyner, Director of Golf Instruction at Cherry Hills Country Club. By comparing swings from 2023 and 2024, the pair identified subtle changes that had crept in – particularly lie angles, posture, and width in the downswing.
Clark explained that getting slightly more upright has helped him hit his preferred cut shot without overexposing the club’s toe, while widening his downswing has stabilized his wrist angles and clubface. The result? A more neutral face through impact and cleaner ball striking.
“It sounds like I just said a lot,” Clark joked, “but it’s actually very simple. It’s just width and keeping the face where we want, and then just turn.”
Those changes already appear to be paying off. Clark pointed to his strong showing at The American Express, where he spent time on the first page of the leaderboard and played three solid rounds before a tough Sunday.
Rather than dwelling on the finish, he’s choosing to see momentum building.
“Golf’s a momentum sport,” Clark said. “I feel like I’m gaining momentum, and I think it’s just a matter of time before we’re back winning.”
He also praised the tournament setup this week, noting how firm, fast conditions and occasional wind create fine margins between birdies and big numbers. For Clark, that challenge (paired with massive crowds) gives the event a near-major feel.
“As far as the spectacle, it’s fantastic,” he said. “It feels bigger than a regular event.”
PGA Tour Change, Brian Rolapp’s Vision, and the Brooks Koepka Question
Beyond his own game, Clark offered thoughtful insight into where he believes the PGA Tour is headed, especially under new leadership from Brian Rolapp.
Clark recalled a players’ meeting at the Hero event where Rolapp emphasized thinking like owners, not just competitors – a message Clark strongly embraced.
“You guys are now equity owners of the Tour,” Rolapp told players, according to Clark. The idea, Clark explained, is to prioritize what’s best for the Tour financially and structurally, then consider individual interests second.
Clark also floated the idea of starting the season with a marquee event rather than quieter early stops, believing the Tour needs to “start with a bang” to capture attention and step out of the NFL’s shadow. He praised Rolapp as proactive and forward-thinking, predicting that five years from now people will look back and say he did a great job.
That owner mindset also shaped Clark’s comments on the possibility of Brooks Koepka returning to the PGA Tour.
While acknowledging emotional reactions from fans and players alike, Clark stressed that having the best golfers competing together only strengthens the Tour.
“I think having Brooks back is amazing. I personally love Brooks,” Clark said. “I think he’s one of the best players within the last 15 years, and having more of the best players really helps our Tour become the best tour.”
From Clark’s perspective, welcoming elite talent back helps everyone – players, fans, and the Tour’s long-term value.
Finally, Clark addressed the challenge of getting full player buy-in for upcoming changes. He admitted opinions are mixed right now, but believes success will speak for itself.
As better TV ratings, bigger events, and new initiatives roll out, Clark expects skepticism to fade.
“It’s only a matter of time,” he said, “before people are bought in to what Brian is going to do and really where the Tour is going.”
‘It Woke Me Up’: Wyndham Clark Reveals What Sparked His Reset