Wyndham Clark, the defending U.S. Open champion, has confirmed rumors linking him to LIV Golf. Despite earning over $3.5 million for his recent win at Pebble Beach, Clark stated that money did not influence his decision to decline LIV Golf for now. He expressed his desire to pursue records and world rankings on the PGA Tour, emphasizing his dream of becoming one of the top players in the world. Clark acknowledged that he cannot predict the future of his career or the relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV, but for this season, he is fully committed to the PGA Tour and aims to climb the world rankings.
While some PGA Tour loyalists may be unsettled by Clark’s comments, his honesty about the uncertain future of golf is refreshing. He is keeping his options open for a potential move to LIV in the future. Clark is not the only well-known player who takes a non-committal stance towards the Tour. Xander Schauffele has also expressed similar sentiments, refusing to pledge his loyalty to the Tour and acknowledging that the golf landscape is constantly evolving.
Negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi PIF, as well as Rory McIlroy’s call for a ‘Champions League’ for golf and LIV’s progress, indicate that the sport is undergoing significant changes. Pledging unwavering loyalty to the Tour may not be the wisest choice for players like Clark, especially considering the dynamic nature of professional golf.
Mark, a master of journalism and online media according to the University of Tennessee, covers all major sports with a keen focus on golf. When he’s not working, he can usually be found on the golf course.