Wyndham Clark captured his first PGA Tour victory in over a year on Sunday, winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch with a dominant performance. The 32-year-old American shot 30-under par for the tournament, defeating South Korea’s Si Woo Kim by three strokes. Clark’s final-round 60 nearly resulted in golf history, as he came within inches of posting a 59 after his approach shot on the 72nd hole narrowly missed the cup for what would have been an eagle finish.
Final round performance pushes Clark to commanding win
Clark entered Sunday’s round two shots behind leader Si Woo Kim, tied with world number one Scottie Scheffler. The 2023 U.S. Open champion unleashed an 11-under 60 in the final round, a near-historic performance that left his competitors with no chance to catch up. Kim, who started the day with the lead, played solid golf with a six-under 65, but Clark’s exceptional round proved insurmountable. The tournament showcased a player winning through excellence rather than opponents faltering under pressure.
Had Clark’s final approach shot dropped into the hole on 18, he would have become the 16th player in PGA Tour history to record a sub-60 round in official competition. The ball landed just inches from the cup, denying him entry into one of golf’s most exclusive clubs. Despite missing the historic mark, Clark’s performance represented the kind of dominant golf that defined his breakthrough season in 2023.
Victory marks important turnaround after difficult stretch
The win at TPC Craig Ranch represents a significant moment for Clark, who had struggled to recapture the form that made him one of golf’s rising stars. His last victory came at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February 2024, and he hadn’t won a full 72-hole event since capturing the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023. Earlier this month, Clark missed the cut at the PGA Championship, highlighting the inconsistency that plagued his recent results.
Clark’s rapid ascent in 2023 saw him capture his first PGA Tour title at the Wells Fargo Championship in May, followed by the U.S. Open victory just one month later. The Pebble Beach triumph in 2024, which included a course-record 60 in the third round before rain shortened the event to 54 holes, marked his third title in less than a calendar year. He also finished tied for second at the 2024 PLAYERS Championship and earned a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Recent struggles and frustration defined 2025 campaign
The expectations that followed Clark’s breakthrough success became a burden throughout 2025. The now-32-year-old golfer managed just two top-10 finishes in 24 tournaments, never seriously contending for victory. His performance in major championships declined sharply, with Clark missing the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. That particular disappointment led to headlines after he damaged lockers in the clubhouse out of frustration following his early exit.
Clark addressed his difficult period during his post-round interview with CBS, acknowledging the struggles and the work required to return to winning form. His T4 finish at the 2025 Open Championship represented his only top-10 result in a major since winning the U.S. Open in 2023. Over his past 10 major championship starts, Clark missed the cut five times, a stark contrast to the player who captured the sport’s most prestigious American championship.
- Three PGA Tour victories between May 2023 and February 2024
- Two top-10 finishes in 24 tournaments during 2025 season
- Five missed cuts in past 10 major championship appearances
- 30-under par total at CJ Cup Byron Nelson ties tournament scoring records
- Final round 60 came one shot away from historic sub-60 mark
Major championship performance remains key challenge
While the CJ Cup Byron Nelson victory provides important momentum, Clark faces continued scrutiny regarding his performances in golf’s biggest events. His exclusion from the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team reflected both his inconsistent play and the depth of American golf talent. The T4 at the 2025 Open Championship stands as his lone bright spot in majors since his U.S. Open triumph nearly three years ago.
Clark’s ability to produce exceptional golf remains evident, as demonstrated by his final-round 60 at TPC Craig Ranch. The mental side of the game, particularly handling expectations and pressure situations, appears to be the area requiring the most attention. His Oakmont locker room incident highlighted the frustration that built up during his winless 2025 campaign. This victory in Texas could serve as the catalyst for renewed confidence heading into the most important stretch of the golf calendar.
U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills provides next opportunity
Clark’s next chance to prove himself on golf’s biggest stage comes at the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York, beginning June 18. The historic Long Island course will test every aspect of his game, with its firm and fast conditions typically favoring players who can control trajectory and think strategically around the layout. As the defending champion from 2023, albeit with that title now three years old, Clark understands what it takes to win the championship.
The three-shot victory over Si Woo Kim at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson demonstrates that Clark possesses the firepower to compete at the highest level. His 30-under total for the week and the near-59 in the final round showcase the kind of scoring ability that makes him dangerous on any course. Converting that talent into consistent results, particularly during major championships, represents the next step in his career evolution. The Texas triumph provides tangible evidence that the golfer who burst onto the scene in 2023 remains capable of reaching those heights again.