Wyndham Clark addressed scrutiny over his actions during the final round of the BMW Championship, where he was accused of improving his lie by using multiple clubs during his pre-shot routine. Clark, who secured a three-shot victory at Bellerive Country Club, explained that his actions were misinterpreted and did not violate USGA Rule 8.1b(4).
During the 14th hole, which featured the ball in the rough, Clark was seen on broadcast taking practice swings with different irons, placing them behind the ball. CBS analysts Trevor Immelman and Frank Nobilo noted the multiple club changes, with Immelman suggesting the "lie might be better." Social media also buzzed with accusations of cheating.
Clark, speaking at a news conference ahead of the Tour Championship, stated that players commonly use multiple clubs to assess a lie. "I think any player, when they're trying to judge a lie, takes out different clubs to see what it feels like," Clark said. He emphasized that he "never fully put the club down behind it" and did not intentionally improve his lie.
"People can think what they want," Clark added. "I know I didn't do anything that was costing the integrity of the field. That's all I've got to say about that."
USGA Rule 8.1b(4) permits players to "ground the club lightly right in front of or right behind the ball."
This is not the first time Clark has faced such accusations. He was also scrutinized during his U.S. Open victory earlier in 2026 at Shinnecock Hills. Clark has won three times in 2026 and is currently third in the FedEx Cup standings.