During Wyndham Clark’s childhood, his mother, Lise, used to write short notes and put them in his knapsack. These notes were meant to uplift his spirits and provide motivation throughout the day. However, Clark would try to hide these notes from his classmates because they became a source of teasing when he was younger.
Over the past 10 years, since Lise Clark’s passing from breast cancer at the age of 55, Clark has expressed his longing for those notes. Despite this, he can vividly recall one particular message that has had a lasting impact on his professional golf career.
“When my mom was sick,” Clark, now 29, explained on Friday, “I was in college and she told me: ‘Hey, play big. Play for something bigger than yourself. You have a platform to either witness, or help, or be a role model for so many people.'”
These words resonated deeply with Clark and have guided his approach to the game ever since. Currently positioned as one of the leaders in this week’s U.S. Open, Clark’s stellar performance has earned him a spot at the top of the leaderboards after two consecutive outstanding rounds.
This impressive display of skill is not a mere coincidence. Clark has been steadily climbing the world golf rankings throughout the 2022-23 season, with six top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour. Just last month, he secured his first tour victory at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, N.C. This milestone achievement has significantly boosted Clark’s self-belief, and he now considers himself a formidable competitor among the world’s best golfers.
However, there was a time when Clark lacked this confidence. Following the loss of his mother, who introduced him to golf at a young age, Clark faced numerous challenges on and off the course. Struggling to find his footing, he would often storm off the golf course and drive away aimlessly, not knowing where to go.
“The pressure of golf and not having my mom there as someone to call was really tough,” Clark admitted after his Wells Fargo victory last month. Cut after cut, he withdrew from Oklahoma State University before ultimately finding his place at the University of Oregon. Slowly but surely, he regained his balance. Clark made his debut on the PGA Tour in 2017, and although it took time to adjust to the unpredictable nature of a professional golfer’s life, his performance was consistent enough last season to amass over $1.5 million in prize money.
“I built my confidence bit by bit, and that’s crucial in this game—or any profession,” Clark wisely acknowledged.
His newfound assurance was evident as he faced the challenging par-5 14th hole at L.A. Country Club during his outstanding performance on Friday. Clark’s second shot landed in deep, tangled rough about 30 yards from the green. The third shot demanded a daring flop shot from an uncertain lie, requiring precise spin and landing on a fast, undulating green.
Nevertheless, Clark executed the shot flawlessly, keeping it on the green and subsequently sinking a remarkable 13-foot putt for a birdie. Beaming with pride after his round, Clark confessed that his third shot had been “very risky.”
Ordinarily, he estimates a 70% success rate for that shot in a typical PGA Tour event. However, under the intense pressure of the U.S. Open, Clark knew the odds of avoiding a bogey were significantly lower due to nerves.
Nonetheless, he confidently asserted that he never doubted which shot to attempt.
He chose to play big.
“When I’m out there playing, I want to do that for her,” Clark said, referring to his mother. “I want to show everyone the person I am and how much joy I have playing the game.”
As he strolled down the fairway yesterday, filled with the joy of playing well, Clark couldn’t help but wish his mother could be there to witness his achievement at the highest level.
“But I know she’s proud of me,” he added, emotion choking his words. “I am who I am today because of her. I miss her dearly, and everything I do out here is a tribute to her.”
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