PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Wyndham Clark withdrew from The Players Championship on Friday afternoon, citing a neck injury after completing 27 holes of play. Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, had opened his tournament with an even-par 72 but struggled significantly during the second round, where he shot 4-over par 40 on the front nine before exiting the course.
Early on Friday, Clark was seen shaking hands with his playing partners, Jordan Spieth and Danny Walker, just before they reached the 10th tee as they prepared to play the back nine. His withdrawal was marked on the official board, reported by the Golf Channel, and occurred when he was five strokes above the projected cut line, which was set at level par.
Reflecting on the pressures faced after winning his major title, Clark stated earlier this week, "It's tough because sometimes your expectations get skewed either by the media or outside people." He emphasized his need to get back to enjoying the game of golf without the weight of expectations affecting his performance: “I feel like it's hurt me a little bit.”
Clark's performance had been inconsistent since his major victory. After winning last year at Pebble Beach, he has faced challenges, including missing six cuts and failing to score within the top ten this season. His current ranking was eighth in the Official World Golf Ranking, but struggles since the 2024 Players Championship raised questions about his form.
“It's funny how you have success and you win a major, you win some tournaments, and then everyone expects you to do it all the time,” Clark said, referencing the pressures he feels compared to other golfers like Scottie Scheffler. His candid feelings reflect the weight of expectation inherent to being recognized as one of the top players after a major win.
On the golf course Friday, Clark faced difficulties, including a double bogey on the par-5 second hole, with significant setbacks occurring through multiple three-putts leading to additional bogeys at the third and fifth holes. Before withdrawing, Clark missed potential birdie opportunities, including 7-foot attempts on the eighth and 20-foot tries on the ninth, illustrating his frustrating performance on the day.
His unceremonious exit also marked him as one of the higher-profile withdrawals from the tournament, following former World No.1 Jason Day's previous withdrawal due to illness, who was replaced by Walker. Day’s absence and Clark’s early withdrawal displayed the unpredictable nature of tournament conditions and player health.
Following his withdrawal, Clark did not comment on the specifics of his neck injury, leaving fans and media curious about his current condition and future plans. The immediate concern is for Clark's health as he pulls away from this high-pressure tournament.
Contenders like Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee emerged as standout players tied at the lead, creating exciting developments for fans at TPC Sawgrass as the tournament progresses. Meanwhile, the situation around Clark reflects the challenges of professional golf, where athletes often balance public expectations with personal performance difficulties.
Despite the disappointment of missing cut opportunities and grappling with expectations post-major win, Clark aims to return to his previous form. He hopes to leverage his experience and love for the game, stating earlier about enjoying the moment and maximizing his performance. He remarked, "When I am enjoying myself on the golf course, I feel like I'm maximizing those things." His path to recovery involves both physical healing and mental recalibration, focusing on fun and good golf as the season progresses.
Looking forward, fans and analysts will be watching closely for Clark's next steps and recovery from his neck injury, hoping for his swift return to form. Meanwhile, The Players Championship continues to see exciting performances and increasing tension as competitors vie for one of golf's premier titles.