Wyndham Clark Explains Viral Training Video Before Open Championship

Wyndham Clark, the two-time major champion, sparked widespread online discussion after a video of him using a clothing hanger during practice for the upcoming Open Championship circulated on social media. The clip showed the PGA Tour star employing the unconventional training aid, which quickly gained traction among golf enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Clark addressed the attention on Thursday, clarifying that the technique was not his invention but rather a long-standing method used by players to improve wrist positioning. The video captured Clark adjusting his grip and wrist movement, suggesting the hanger helped achieve a more squared clubface at impact. “My swing's gotten a little off,” he admitted, acknowledging some inconsistency in his recent performances. Despite these struggles, Clark maintained that his overall form remained solid, pointing to consistent results over the past few months. In his last six tournaments, he has managed to stay within the top 13, securing two victories, including his second U.S. Open title. His performance at the Genesis Scottish Open, however, saw him finish with a final-round score of 71, missing out on a potential repeat of success. Clark emphasized that the hanger was merely a tool to assist with specific mechanics, not a regular part of his routine. “It's like an old, old training aid. People have been doing it forever,” he explained. The technique, he noted, was developed in collaboration with his swing coach, focusing on achieving a flatter wrist position to enhance control and accuracy. While the method drew curiosity, Clark stressed that it was not a new strategy but rather a revisited approach aimed at fine-tuning his swing. Meanwhile, the golf world also faced another setback as former Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen withdrew from the tournament due to a back injury. Oosthuizen, who had previously dominated the sport, shared his decision through a social media post, expressing disappointment over missing both The Open Championship and the LIV Golf event. “My priority now is to focus on my recovery,” he wrote, vowing to return to competitive play once fully healed. This marks the latest challenge for the South African star, whose performance has declined significantly since joining LIV Golf, with only one top-25 finish in a major tournament since 2021. Oosthuizen’s absence created an opening for Aldrich Potgieter, who secured the final spot in the tournament after qualifying through a play-in. Potgieter, who had not originally been scheduled to compete, will now take on the responsibility of representing the absent veteran. The shift highlights the unpredictable nature of professional golf, where injuries and strategic decisions can dramatically alter the landscape of a championship. Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, continues to show promise as the highest-ranked player remaining in the Scottish Open. The world number two, having recently claimed his second consecutive Masters title, is currently tied for the lead ahead of the weekend. McIlroy’s performance has been encouraging, despite a challenging round that included the effects of strong winds. “The wind definitely got up for us in the afternoon,” he remarked, noting that conditions made it harder to consistently reach the green. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about his chances, emphasizing the enjoyment of the course and the opportunity to compete at a high level. As the Open Championship approaches, the golf community watches closely for developments, with Clark’s unusual training method and Oosthuizen’s injury serving as reminders of the ever-changing dynamics in the sport. The coming days will likely bring further insights into how these events shape the outcomes of the tournament.