US Open champion Wyndham Clark was left to regret dig at LIV Golf stars
Wyndham Clark is the reigning US Open champion, however the American has struggled in the major championships so far this season.
Wyndham Clark, the defending US Open champion, took a playful dig at his LIV Golf rivals during this year's Masters - then failed to make the cut at Augusta National. Clark is set to defend his US Open title at Pinehurst No. 2 this week.
The American Ryder Cup player clinched his first major title at Los Angeles Golf Club a year ago, fending off challenges from Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler.
He will be aiming to replicate the form that saw him crowned champion at this week's event, having struggled to hit his stride in the two previous major championships this season.
His poor run started at Augusta, where he failed to make the cut in his first appearance on the iconic Georgia course.
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After the opening round at Augusta in April, Clark found himself with a mountain to climb as LIV star Bryson DeChambeau surged ahead with a six-under-par 65.
When asked if he was concerned about the significant gap he needed to close on DeChambeau, Clark couldn't resist a jibe at the Saudi-backed circuit's 54-hole tournaments, compared to the 72-hole event at the Masters.
"Yeah, we've got 54 holes [left to play]," he said. "In LIV Golf they only play 54, so I like my chances. We've got a lot of golf left.
"Just 24 hours later, Clark was forced to eat his words after failing to make the cut, finishing seven-over-par across the first 36 holes. As you can see, someone shot seven-under. I could do that tomorrow."
Clark had another chance to prove himself at the PGA Championship a month later. However, the two-time PGA Tour winner suffered the same fate.
He missed the two-under cut line by a significant margin at Valhalla Golf Course, shooting four-over across his two rounds.
Despite his recent struggles, Clark is hopeful for his title defence this week. "I haven't been playing my best golf," he admitted.
"It's been a tough stretch these last few weeks. Really, I'm trying to gain some momentum for the rest of the season.
"I know that maybe sounds like low expectations for the week, but honestly I'd love to just gain some momentum. I'd really like to hit some good shots, have some really good up and downs, make some key putts throughout the week, and play four solid rounds. That's really what I'd love to do."
