Wyndham Clark has entered the BMW Championship in a strong position as the FedEx Cup Playoffs reach their second event. The two-time U.S. Open champion arrived at Bellerive Country Club fifth in the FedEx Cup standings, putting him in a comfortable position to advance to the season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta.
Clark’s recent stretch has included mixed results. He faced difficulties at The Open Championship before competing in the Rocket Classic, where he failed to make the cut. He then responded with a tie for fifth at the playoffs opener at TPC Southwind, giving him momentum heading into the BMW Championship.
With 50 players competing for 30 places at the Tour Championship, Clark’s position in the standings has given him some breathing room. His performance at Bellerive, however, has also put him near the top of the leaderboard and made his recent turnaround a notable part of the week.
Wyndham Clark Admits He Injured His Arm Practicing for Tigers’ First Pitch
Wyndham Clark revealed that he injured his arm while preparing to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Detroit Tigers game during the Rocket Classic. In an interview, Clark explained that the problem happened while he was practicing for the pitch.
“In Detroit I kind of threw my arm out,” Clark said. He then added, “That was kind of stupid.”
According to Doug Ferguson of AP News, he warmed up for about 20 minutes before the first pitch and began feeling good enough to throw harder.
The actual pitch went down the middle, but soreness set in afterward.
“I woke up the next day and, oh my gosh, my arm was hurting,” Clark said, according to “AP News.”
The injury came while Clark was at the Rocket Classic and contributed to his struggles that week.
He ultimately missed the cut. Clark did not suggest the arm issue was the only reason for his performance, but his comments connected the injury to another setback during a difficult stretch.
He also discussed The Open Championship, saying he made “dumb mistakes” and suddenly found himself four or five over par.
Wyndham Clark Takes BMW Championship Lead After Back-to-Back 64s
Clark has since produced a much stronger showing at the BMW Championship.
He followed his opening-round 64 with another bogey-free 64 on Friday, reaching 12-under 128 after 36 holes and taking a one-stroke lead over Gary Woodland.
Clark made three birdies on each side Friday and has recorded 31 greens in regulation through two rounds, leading the field in that category.
He has also gone 3-for-3 in getting up and down from the sand.
Clark is at 12 under after two rounds, with Woodland at 11 under and J.J. Spaun at 10 under. Chris Gotterup and Sungjae Im are tied at 9 under.
Clark’s current position also puts him in excellent shape for Atlanta. He entered the week No. 5 in the FedEx Cup standings and is already assured of a place in the Tour Championship.
The BMW Championship has therefore provided a sharp contrast to the Rocket Classic.
After missing the cut in Detroit, Clark has opened the second FedEx Cup Playoffs event with two consecutive 6-under 64s and is now in position to contend for the title.
Wyndham Clark Makes Personal Admission About Self-Inflicted Injury