Wyndham Clark on Open Championship prep: ‘A lot more plotting and strategy’

The final time golf followers witnessed a serious championship, last month’s U.S. Open at LACCit was Wyndham Clark strolling off the 18th inexperienced as champion.

The 29-year-old shocked the golf world with the victory, fascinating spectators with a end that appeared acceptable for the Hollywood setting. And whereas Clark has develop into the coup de coeur since — with many followers hopping aboard his bandwagon — he’s centered on continued success, not only one main victory.

“We’ve had a tremendous 12 months,” he mentioned. “I’m simply going to proceed to give attention to what helps me play the most effective that I can after which let the outcomes care for themselves.”

As unlikely as Clark’s victory in Los Angeles was, he enters this week’s Open Championship with the Twentieth-best odds to win (+5,000), tied with different main champions corresponding to Bryson DeChambeau and Adam Scottand forward of gamers like Justin Thomas (+5,500) and Hideki Matsuyama (+6,500).

Regardless of the rise in fame and recognition, Clark is aware of it’s essential to remain grounded, reminding himself to keep away from altering his character or aggressive mindset.

“If it does [change],” he mentioned, “I hope somebody punches me within the face and says, ‘Get again to who you had been’. I actually hope nothing adjustments.

“I feel it fuels my confidence and perception in myself. Clearly, sure issues change, my standing and the way a lot folks know who I’m. However as an individual, I don’t suppose — I hope I don’t change.”

But it surely’s totally different to be the hunter versus the hunted.

With him having the newest main championship on his resume, Clark is aware of there are expectations for the way he performs. Return a few month in the past, and that wasn’t the case.

As extra consideration filters his manner, folks need to know what Clark’s strategy to Royal Liverpool will probably be.

Coming off a tie for twenty fifth finally week’s Scottish Open (which was additionally performed on a hyperlinks course), Clark mentioned he’s keen on the troublesome observe and unpredictable climate situations — so he’s up for the check this week.

“I really like hyperlinks golf. I feel it’s the purest check of golf,” he mentioned. “It’s extra enjoyable than I feel some other golf that we’ve all over the world, simply because daily is so totally different.

“The wind may come out of the identical course, however each gap appears to have a lot selection,” he added. “You get into totally different spots the place one gap — the identical gap you could be hitting a chip 8-iron; the following day it could be a 4-iron, or you may be close to the inexperienced. I really like the variability.”

Wyndham Clark’s strategy to the Open Championship

Anybody who performs hyperlinks golf programs is aware of that the distinctiveness of the format requires changes. Most of these adjustments are centered round holding the ball low, making certain that the shot isn’t impacted by any wind. Add within the firmness of the turf, and balls with heavy topspin are inclined to roll for added distance.

Clark is nicely conscious of this, and revealed how the troublesome observe at Royal Liverpool is forcing him into “much more plotting and technique.”

“Nicely, you undoubtedly hit much more pictures with totally different winds, and also you attempt to just remember to really feel comfy with winds off the left, winds off the fitting, into the wind,” Clark mentioned.

“You’re employed on sure tee pictures as a result of there’s a predominant wind and it’s going to be this fashion. It could be that manner the entire week versus regular parkland programs, particularly within the U.S., [where] you may get three winds all week or there won’t be as a lot wind; so that you don’t have to fret about that as a lot.”

To assist himself adapt to the uncontrollable climate, Clark detailed his observe routine this week.

“There’s a number of holes the place it’s going to be three or 4 straight holes in a row in off the left, so we’ll work on the vary in preparation on these tee pictures.

“You additionally work on a number of lag putts since you do — lag putts and pushing aside the inexperienced — which you usually wouldn’t work on in parkland golf. Usually, I’m pulling a 60-degree wedge and hitting a low spinner versus right here you’re perhaps holding it on the bottom.”

Clark continued to check the variations between a hyperlinks course and a parkland course (which is the standard format within the U.S.), saying the previous requires rather more planning.

“There’s much more plotting and technique that goes into hyperlinks golf, and the place you possibly can and can’t be,” he mentioned. “In parkland golf, with the flexibility that guys have now on the PGA Tour that we will get up-and-down and do something from wherever versus typically in hyperlinks golf you nearly can’t. There’s sure locations you simply can and can’t be.”

Clark understands the mission he has in entrance of him.

Can he catch lightning in a bottle twice in a few month and discover himself hoisting the Claret Jug come Sunday? Will his preparation and confidence lead him to a different main title?

Who is aware of? However his focus and respect for Royal Liverpool will give him a combating probability — and he’s nonetheless gleaming with championship meddle, which is an intangible that nobody can overlook.

Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor