Wyndham Clark, the recent BMW Championship winner, has addressed controversy surrounding his practice swings on the 14th hole during the tournament's final round. Clark, who secured a $3.6 million prize with his victory, denied attempting to improve his lie in the rough, a move that drew comparisons to Bryson DeChambeau's penalty at the British Open.
During the critical 14th hole, Clark switched clubs twice and took at least seven practice swings before striking his second shot onto the green. CBS commentators Trevor Immelman and Frank Nobilo noted the extended preparation, with Immelman observing, "He's taking a long look at this. This is like the third club he's placed down behind the ball there," and Nobilo adding, "So the lie might be better."
However, Clark stated on Tuesday that he never placed the club fully behind the ball and did not believe he had a bad lie to begin with. "I think any player when they’re trying to judge a lie takes out different clubs to see what it feels like," Clark said, according to Golf Digest. "When the cameras are on you, they’re gonna find anything. I think you saw that in Bryson’s case."
Clark, 32, concluded the hole with a par and went on to birdie the final three holes, ultimately winning by three shots. He conveyed a clear message to his critics: "By no means did I take a bad lie and make it really good. So people can think what they want. 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."
The Tour Championship, where the winner will receive $10 million, is scheduled to begin Thursday in Atlanta.