Wyndham Clark defends Bay Hill cheating claims

Wyndham Clark has his eyes set on a Masters debut to remember.

The American is one of 20 golfers launching their Augusta National career this week, bidding to become the first to win since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.

That feat is one that motivates the 30-year-old, who insisted: “Stats like that are meant to be broken.”

His confidence is justified by a U.S. Open scalp last June and recent runner-up finishes at the PLAYERS Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.

And when you have a horse for the course, Clark sees no reason why he can’t make history.

“I like my chances,” he said. “I really like myself on this golf course. I feel good on a lot of tee shots and approaches, and there’s so much creativity. So, I feel good coming into the week.”

Clark’s form needs no defence, that much is clear. However, in his first major championship Tuesday press conference, he was left to ponder changing one aspect of his game.

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Re-wind back to Bay Hill, just three weeks ago, and Clark outlined his regret at cheating accusations after he was criticised of ‘improving his lie’ in the rough.

Clark and rules officials concluded that there was no wrongdoing, but the three-time PGA Tour winner now admits he is more aware of scrutiny.

“When we finished that round, we had no idea why the officials were in there,” he said. “And obviously when you watch the tape, maybe it doesn’t look good.

“The one thing in my defence is I’m setting the club down; I feel like I have the right and freedom to be able to set the club down where I want. I wasn’t trying to improve my lie by any means.

“But, yeah, it’s definitely something I talked about with my caddie, and he’s like, ‘hey, the cameras are on us more’. Not that I was doing anything wrong prior to that when the cameras weren’t on us, but every little thing we do is magnified when the cameras are on you.

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“I mean you just have to really watch what you do under the microscope.

“I don’t want to have any question that I’m trying to do anything that’s like cheating or anything illegal. So, I will be definitely more aware of it.

“But I’ve been doing what I did for years, and no one’s ever called me out on it. So, I don’t know if I’m necessarily going to change it. “

Talk at Augusta was directed straight back to The Masters and a warning that if not Clark, then Ludvig Aberg could be the history maker.

Records and curses “are meant to be broken”, Clark added, leaving a strong parting message to any doubters.

“I mean, no one thought I could win the U.S. Open being the first time in contention.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.