Clark Fires 60 to Win CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Sports news ยป Clark Fires 60 to Win CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Wyndham Clark concluded the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson with an outstanding 10-under par 60, securing a three-stroke victory over Si Woo Kim. Starting the final day two shots behind, Clark found his rhythm quickly, demonstrating precise ball-striking and confident putting. His remarkable 30-under total marked his fourth PGA Tour triumph and his first since 2024.

The win also came with a substantial prize of $1,854,000 from the tournament’s $10.3 million purse, a significant boost as he aims to climb back up the FedEx Cup standings.

Post-round, Clark attributed his success to his putting:

“I mean, obviously, the putting. That was a pretty epic putting session or display this weekโ€ฆ Iโ€™ve been hitting it good, kind of all year, but definitely the putting,” Clark stated.

Scheffler and Spieth Fall Short in Texas

World number one Scottie Scheffler finished in third place at 25-under, continuing a streak of strong performances without a win. Despite consistent play, his wedge shots didn’t generate enough close birdie opportunities. He hasn’t finished outside the top 25 since the 2024 BMW Championship.

Scheffler acknowledged Clark’s impressive performance:

“Sometimes youโ€™ve just got to tip your cap and say good playing, and 60 was going to be pretty tough to beat today.”

Jordan Spieth, after a notable second-round 62, saw his chances diminish following a challenging Saturday. He finished tied for 19th after a final-round 66.

Reflecting on his week, Spieth commented:

“I had stretches where things were really close, but I just didnโ€™t put four rounds together. Thereโ€™s a lot to build on, but also a lot I need to tighten up.”

Blades Brown’s Impressive Breakthrough

A standout story of the tournament was 19-year-old Blades Brown, who tied for 14th and earned special temporary PGA Tour membership. Brown impressed with his steady iron play and composed decision-making under pressure, signaling the arrival of a promising young talent.

While not contending for the lead on Sunday, his performance garnered significant attention and ensures future opportunities to compete against top Tour players.

Si Woo Kim Secures Runner-Up Position

Si Woo Kim, who held the 54-hole lead, carded a final-round 65 to finish at 27-under par. His week included a second-round 60 and one of the highest birdie counts in the tournament. His runner-up finish earned him $1,122,700.

Kim remained in contention until Clark’s late surge, which featured birdies on four of his final five holes. Despite not matching Clark’s closing pace, Kim’s consistent scoring maintained pressure on the eventual champion.

Significance of Clark’s Victory

Clark’s win is particularly noteworthy, coming just one week after missing the cut at the PGA Championship. This turnaround highlights his resilience and ability to quickly rebound.

“I came here and said, โ€˜Alright, our gameโ€™s good, we just have to figure out the driver,โ€™ and then I got that back into playโ€ฆ made some good putts,” Clark remarked.

The victory awarded Clark 500 FedEx Cup points and 39 Official World Golf Ranking points, aiding his climb back towards the top of the rankings.

Looking Ahead to the Charles Schwab Challenge

The PGA Tour now moves to Fort Worth for the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club. The field will feature several top players, including Scottie Scheffler, who will aim to build on his strong performance at the Byron Nelson.

For Clark, the upcoming event presents an opportunity to continue his momentum as the season progresses. With renewed confidence and a sharp putting game, he is a player to watch in the coming tournaments.

Oliver Whitborne

Oliver Whitborne, a 34-year-old sports journalist from Bristol, has been covering major sporting events for over a decade. His unique perspective on tennis and MMA has earned him recognition among British sports media. Whitborne's analytical approach to fight breakdowns and grand slam predictions makes his articles stand out in regional publications.

© Copyright 2026 Latest news from the world of sports
Powered by WordPress | Mercury Theme