Wyndham Clark was involved in a new controversial play that has generated many reactions among fans. A number of social media users brought attention to the play, which happened on the tenth hole during the third round of the ongoing U.S. Open.
Clark can be observed in the provided images executing a wedge shot on a greenside slope of Pinehurst No. 2. Unfortunately, Clark’s shot did not yield favorable results, as the ball rolled down the slope and returned to its original position.
Clark was observed stepping on the divot as the ball rolled back, which some spectators have remarked as an endeavor to rectify his lie. However, the ball ultimately came to rest several inches to the left, rather than within the divot.
Why does @Wyndham_Clark always have a cheating controversy when it comes to improving his lies @usopengolf @PGATOUR pic.twitter.com/Vor5E20M57
— Hollywood99.eth (@RussNormandin) June 15, 2024
Clark’s actions during the game have sparked a reaction from numerous fans who took to social media to bring the incident to the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) attention. One fan posted the following on X (formerly Twitter):
“@USGA Hole 10 after first chip by Wyndham Clark he quickly flattend his divot hole with his foot when the ball was rolling towards it. Is that allowed? @usopengolf”
@USGA Hole 10 after first chip by Wyndham Clark he quickly flattend his divot hole with his foot when the ball was rolling towards it. Is that allowed? @usopengolf
— Daan Slooter (@daslo_67) June 15, 2024
Another user posted the following:
“Wyndham Clark took a 2nd swipe and made a huge divot, then saw his ball coming back to possibly finish in the hole he dug, and stepped on it quickly to repair it. Should be a penalty.”
Wyndham Clark took a 2nd swipe and made a huge divot, then saw his ball coming back to possibly finish in the hole he dug, and stepped on it quickly to repair it. Should be a penalty.
— Bill Johnson (@Bill43111) June 15, 2024
Let’s take a look at some other reactions on X:
“Wyndham Clark pats down a divot as his ball rolls back toward his feet, but no penalty for improving his (possible) lie because the rule now depends on “intent”. He said he didn’t “intend” to improve his lie, so he gets a free pass #USOpen,” a fan posted.
“Wyndham Clark got some splainin’ to do,” another user wrote.
“So Wyndham Clark gets a pass with a rules infraction…Why? @usopengolf,” another fan asked.
During the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational, Clark found himself in a comparable situation when officials reviewed his second shot on the 18th hole of the third round to determine if there was any improvement in his lie due to his club. After careful evaluation, it was determined that Clark had not violated any rules.
At the 2024 US Open, Clark’s performance has been consistent with rounds of 73, 71, and 71. As the third day approaches, the defending champion currently holds the T32 position with a score of 5 over par.
What do the rules say about Wyndham Clark’s play?
Rule 11.3 established by the USGA addresses the situation with Clark. This rule specifically prohibits players from engaging in certain actions while the ball is in motion. Among those actions is the following:
“Replacing a divot or pressing down a raised area of turf.”
The rule also cautions the following:
“The player is in breach of this Rule for taking these deliberate actions even if the action does not affect where the ball comes to rest.”
The transgression of this regulation incurs a penalty of two additional strokes to the wrongdoer’s score.
As of now, the U.S. Open officials have not issued any statements regarding this issue. Currently, Clark’s score for the round (1 over par) stands as the official record.
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