Defending U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark’s first major win was the culmination of a journey to accepting that his golf game has no bearing on his self-worth.
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PINEHURST,N.C.—AsWyndhamClarkbeganthewalkdowntheNo.1fairwayinthefinalroundofthe2023U.S.OpenatLosAngelesCountryClub,manyfanscheeredforRickieFowler,whowasplayinginthefinalpairingwithhim.
“Rememberthey’recheeringforhim,”Clark’scaddieJohnEllistoldhim.“Rememberwhothey’llcheerforattheend.”
Ellis’adviceprovedprophetic,asClarkheldoffFowler,worldNo.1golferScottieSchefflerandfour-timemajorchampionshipwinnerRoryMcIlroyfora1-shotvictorytowinhisfirstmajor.
ItwasafarcryfromtheconversationEllishadwithClarkeightmonthsearlierinthefinalroundoftheCJCupatCongareeGolfClubinRidgeland,SouthCarolina.Clarkwasonhiswaytotyingfor29that5under,12shotsbehindwinnerMcIlroy.
EightmonthsbeforeClark’sfirstmajorwin,hiscaddieJohnEllisknewsomethinghadtochange. GettyImagesWalkingupthefairwayofthe18thhole,Clarkhadonly11clu
