PGA Tour professional Wyndham Clark has been in the spotlight since his victory at the 2023 U.S. Open. He has faced controversy on multiple fronts, particularly with his candid remarks and previous incidents on the course. Recently, he drew attention once again at the 2025 Hero World Challenge, where he critiqued the conditions of Albany Golf Club, the host course.
Wyndham Clark’s Critique of Hero World Challenge Course Conditions
After tying for the first-round lead with a score of 66, Clark expressed his dissatisfaction with the chipping conditions at Albany. When asked about the notorious difficulty of the Bermuda grass, he did not hold back. “Do you want the politically correct answer? It’s not in good shape,” he stated.
Clark elaborated on the challenges players face with the course’s conditions, particularly the grain of the grass. “You’re always chipping into the grain, and there’s a lot of chips that are up and over,” he explained. The quality of lies contributed to the difficulty, giving players little margin for error.
Other Players Weigh In
Clark’s comments resonated with other participants in the Hero World Challenge. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who also shot a 66, echoed similar sentiments. “The ball has a tendency to sit down in the turf,” he noted. He further highlighted the challenges imposed by the rough areas of the course.
Corey Conners, who recorded a 67, shared his insights as well. He described the grainy nature of the Bermuda grass, which makes shots from low areas particularly tricky. “You’ve got to get some height on the shots,” he said. Conners emphasized the importance of making solid contact to navigate the raised greens effectively.
Looking Ahead
- The tournament is far from over, with 54 holes remaining.
- Clark and Scheffler are tied for the lead, joined by three other competitors.
- Scheffler aims for his third consecutive victory at the Hero World Challenge.
With the ongoing challenges presented by Albany Golf Club’s conditions, players will need to adjust their strategies as the tournament progresses. As discussions about course quality continue, the Hero World Challenge remains an essential event in the golf calendar.
