A new chapter begins for Wyndham Clark, and with it, a glimmer of hope for a brighter 2026. The former U.S. Open champion, once a smiling presence on the PGA TOUR, had hit a rough patch in 2025. His ball-striking skills deteriorated, and so did his mood, leaving him searching for answers. But amidst the gloom, a ray of sunshine emerged in the form of a new swing coach, and with it, a potential turnaround.
The Smile Returns: A New Beginning for Clark
After a challenging year, Clark's first-round performance at the Hero World Challenge, a 66, was a welcome relief. It was his best competitive round since July, a sign that the hard work with his new coach was paying off. But here's where it gets controversial... Clark's success has largely been a solo journey. He relied on his caddie and mental coach, but when it came to his swing, he preferred to go it alone. That changed this offseason when he met Pat Coyner, the new director of instruction at Cherry Hills.
Coyner and Clark began working together just before the Baycurrent Classic, and their goal was clear: to get Clark's swing back to its 2023 form, when he won two tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
The Art of Swing: A Counterintuitive Approach
Coyner and Clark focused on keeping the club face more open through impact, a technique that might seem counterintuitive to most but was beneficial for Clark. This subtle change helped straighten out Clark's left miss, allowing him to regain his patented cut shot.
Clark had resisted the idea of a full-time coach in the past, fearing it would distract him from playing golf. He preferred to trust his instincts and hit shots rather than overanalyze his swing. However, as his performance dipped in 2025, he realized the importance of having a dedicated coach to guide him.
The Numbers Don't Lie: A Troubling Trend
The statistics paint a clear picture of Clark's struggles. He fell to 84th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 154th in SG: Approach, categories he once dominated. Clark himself acknowledged the issue: "Off the tee, I was terrible, and my iron play wasn't as good. You hit it bad off the tee, and it makes it harder to hit it into the green better."
This decline in performance made for a miserable season, with Clark missing out on the BMW Championship and automatic spots in the 2026 Signature Events. He was well outside the consideration for Keegan Bradley's squad at Bethpage Black, a stark contrast to his U.S. team appearances in the previous two national competitions.
The Road to Redemption: A Bahamian Beginning
Clark knows he has work to do to get back on the radar. A strong performance in the Bahamas would be a great start, a chance to prove that he's back on track. But here's the part most people miss: it's not just about the results; it's about the process. Clark is embracing the journey, and with his new coach by his side, he's ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
So, what do you think? Is Clark's turnaround a sign of things to come, or is it too early to tell? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this intriguing story.
