Reigning U.S. Open Champ Gives Hint That Par Could Be a Winning Score

Reigning U.S. Open Champion Wyndham Clark gave a hint to reporters yesterday that even par could be a good enough score to win this week’s tournament at Pinehurst No. 2.

Clark called the greens at Pinehurst “borderline” in an interview with media yesterday, indicating they are fast and tough, which could culminate in high scores for players.

Wyndham Clark on the greens at Pinehurst this week: “They already are borderline.”

This week should be fun. 😬 pic.twitter.com/FMtEVGvRQP

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 10, 2024

Pinehurst is already a tough course as there is no “traditional” rough. Hitting the fairway by any means possible is the name of the game, and this week, we will see which players are able to tip toe that line between risk and reward.

Clark won last year’s U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club with a score of -10. Traditionally, the U.S. Open brings forward the toughest tournament conditions and, thus, the highest winning scores. In the past few years, we’ve seen several +1 final scores to par win, including Brooks Koepka’s triumph at Shinnecock Hills in 2018.

However, last year, along with other years in recent memory, did not give players the hassle that the U.S. Open does in the past. Clark was able to outduel Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler to take home his first Major Championship in what was somewhat of a surprise victory.

Regardless, Clark stating the greens are this slick already is a telltale sign that tough conditions might be in the forecast for this week’s tournament.

Cover Image via Golf Digest