Wyndham Clark has put himself in a commanding position heading into the final round of the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club. After rounds of 64, 64, and 65, the two-time U.S. Open champion holds a five-shot lead over Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay at 17 under.
Clark’s position comes after a strong response to an early setback Saturday. He opened with a double bogey but recovered with an eagle and five birdies to pull away from the field. A victory Sunday would have major FedExCup implications, moving Clark to third in the standings and earning him automatic qualification for the U.S. Presidents Cup team.
The 2026 season has already been one of the strongest of Clark’s career. He won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and captured his second U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. With his game trending upward again, Clark was asked whether he believes he is a better player now than he was during his breakthrough 2023 season.
Wyndham Clark Believes His Game Has Improved Since 2023
Clark gave a clear answer when asked about the evolution of his game.
“I think definitely. I have way more control with my iron play. I’m starting to get a lot better off the tee. I think mentally I’m way better,” Clark said.
He also pointed to an improvement with the putter.
“I actually think my putting’s significantly better than even in 2023. So, yeah, I think overall my game, each year I feel like I get better.”
Clark added that spending more time on the PGA Tour has helped him better understand his game.
“Even though some years you don’t play as good, I just feel like the more time you spend out on TOUR you get better, sharper mentally, sharper with your distances, knowing your game better, so, yeah, definitely better.”
That development has been visible at Bellerive. Clark had been bogey-free through his first two rounds before the double bogey on No. 1 Saturday. He quickly recovered, making birdies at Nos. 4 and 7 before producing an eagle at the par-5 eighth.
“That’s when I really got into a groove,” Clark said.
He then made four birdies in his first five holes on the back nine to establish the five-shot advantage.
“Unfortunate how I finished but I just have to go out and play my game [tomorrow],” Clark said after making his only other bogey at No. 18.
Wyndham Clark Faces Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay
Clark’s nearest challengers are McIlroy and Cantlay, both five shots behind at 12 under.
McIlroy reached the final pairing after shooting a 5-under 65 Saturday. He made three consecutive birdies from Nos. 15 through 17, and believes Bellerive gives him an opportunity to attack the deficit.
“It’s good to be in the final group, but when you start six, seven back, that’s a lot make up,” McIlroy said. “If I focus on myself, go out there, try to shoot a good score — I shot a 64 and a 65 this week — shoot something similar tomorrow, you never know.”
Cantlay also remained within striking distance after a 66.
The BMW Championship is important beyond the tournament title because the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings advance to next week’s Tour Championship at East Lake.
Clark entered the week in seventh and could climb to third with a victory. That would also secure automatic qualification for the U.S. Presidents Cup team.
Gary Woodland is another player with plenty at stake. He entered the week 31st but is projected to move inside the top 30 after three rounds. Sungjae Im, Patrick Cantlay and others are also competing for their places at East Lake.
For Clark, however, the equation is straightforward. One more strong round would complete a three-day stretch in which he has established himself as the player everyone else must catch.
Wyndham Clark Sends Warning to Field With Five-Shot BMW Lead