Wyndham Clark entered the BMW Championship with plenty at stake at Bellerive Country Club. The two-time U.S. Open champion was already assured of a place in the Tour Championship, but the second FedExCup playoff event carried additional significance as the U.S. Presidents Cup picture began to take shape.
Clark arrived at the BMW Championship as one of the leading players in the field and quickly put himself in contention. After two rounds, he was at the top of the leaderboard, with Gary Woodland one shot behind and J.J. Spaun also among the leading players. The result has left Clark with an opportunity to strengthen his position in several areas before Sunday.
Wyndham Clark Wants To Earn Presidents Cup Spot Outright
Despite his strong season and position near the top of the BMW Championship leaderboard, Wyndham Clark admitted he did not feel he had done enough to secure a place on the U.S. Presidents Cup team.
When asked whether he felt he had done enough to earn a spot, Clark said, “I don’t really know. I don’t know.”
He then explained that he believed he needed to perform well at the BMW Championship to move into the top six in the U.S. standings.
“No, to be honest, because I thought I had to play really good to try to get into that top six,” Clark said. “And that’s where I want to be. I don’t want to leave it up to a captain’s choice.”
Clark entered the week seventh in the Presidents Cup points standings, just outside the six automatic qualifying positions.
The six automatic qualifiers will be finalized after Sunday’s round.
His comments make clear that Clark’s priority is to earn his place through the standings rather than depend on a captain’s selection.
He added that he was “playing my hardest” to try to secure one of those final automatic spots.
A victory at Bellerive would make the situation even simpler.
If Wyndham closes out the BMW Championship for his 3rd victory of the year, it would automatically put Clark on the U.S. Presidents Cup team.
Wyndham Clark Leads BMW Championship With Presidents Cup At Stake
Clark has put himself in a position to make that possibility a reality. He opened the BMW Championship with a 64 before following it with another 64 on Friday to reach 12-under 128.
He has played 36 holes without making a bogey, recording 12 birdies in the process. His performance has also placed him at the center of a high-stakes weekend at Bellerive.
Clark’s second-round performance came with several major objectives in play. Beyond the Presidents Cup, he is also competing for FedExCup positioning and continuing his Player of the Year case after winning the CJ Cup, the Byron Nelson, and his second U.S. Open title at Shinnecock Hills earlier this year.
“It’s exciting to have this opportunity — there’s a lot on the line,” Clark said, according to Golf Channel. “You know, making it to East Lake, Presidents Cup team, world rankings — all the above.”
Gary Woodland, who was one shot behind Clark after 36 holes, will join him in Saturday’s final group. Woodland entered the week No. 31 in the FedExCup standings and is also fighting to secure his place in the Tour Championship.
For Clark, however, the Presidents Cup remains one of the major issues hanging over the weekend.
With the automatic qualifying positions set to be determined Sunday, his performance over the final rounds could decide whether he earns his place himself or leaves the decision to U.S. captain Jim Furyk.
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