Wyndham Clark Returns to Form with CJ Cup Byron Nelson Win

After triumphing at the 2023 U.S. Open, Wyndham Clark seemed poised to advance his PGA Tour career significantly. However, expectations didn’t materialize as anticipated. On Sunday, Clark achieved victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch, marking his first PGA Tour win since February 2024. He finished an impressive 30-under, outperforming Si Woo Kim by three strokes.

In golf, winning a tournament sometimes hinges on a standout performance; Clark excelled by shooting an exceptional 11-under 60 in the final round. His almost-eagle at the 72nd hole would have led to a remarkable round of 59, placing him among the exclusive group of 16 players with sub-60 rounds in PGA Tour history.

Initially, Kim held a two-shot lead over Clark and Scottie Scheffler entering the final round. Kim played well, achieving a six-under 65, yet he couldn’t match Clark’s outstanding play. Clark’s victory was due to his skill, not Kim’s mistakes. The win at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson in McKinney, Texas, represented a significant recovery for Clark, who had previously missed the cut at the PGA Championship earlier in the month.

Clark hadn’t clinched a win since the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and hadn’t captured a 72-hole tournament win since his 2023 U.S. Open victory. Before that triumph, Clark’s inaugural PGA Tour win occurred at the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship. He set a course record with a 60 during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February 2024, though adverse weather shortened the event to 54 holes.

Clark nearly succeeded at the 2024 PLAYERS Championship, narrowly finishing as runner-up. The 29-year-old, inexperienced in PGA Tour victories, managed three titles within a year, including a major. He even earned a spot on the 2023 Ryder Cup team for the U.S.

With success came increased expectations from both fans and Clark himself. Unfortunately, the momentum from 2023 to 2024 didn’t persist. Clark, now 32, couldn’t achieve any wins in 2025, managing only two top-10 finishes in 24 tournaments. Missing the cut at the 2025 U.S. Open, he gained attention for damaging a locker at Oakmont Country Club out of frustration.

Clark discussed his previous difficulties in an interview with CBS golf reporter Amanda Balionis. This victory signifies a crucial progression for him, though he seeks to enhance his outcomes in major events. Despite a strong showing with a top-5 finish at the 2025 Open Championship, Clark missed the cut in half of his last 10 majors. His T4 at the Open is his only top-10 major finish since his pivotal U.S. Open win in 2023.

Clark’s next major opportunity is swiftly approaching at the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, commencing on June 18.

Dan Zaksheske is a reporter at OutKick.