Wyndham Clark says he ‘did not try to cheat’ after interesting footage emerged during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Wyndham Clark has launched a robust defence after he was accused by some fans of playing fast and loose with the rules.
Clark came under the spotlight during the third round of the signature Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour.
The moment that caught golf fans’ attention centred around Clark’s actions as he stood over his second stroke on the par-4 18th hole at Bay Hill.
Clark was tied for the lead with Scottie Scheffler on 9-under at the time and his golf ball was in the deep rough.
SCROLL DOWN ON WATCH VIDEO.
Clark, as one would anticipate, wished to assess the lie by positioning his golf club behind the ball. Some fans thought that his golf ball may have shifted slightly, but this belief was not widely accepted.
Clark denied the allegation and told journalists that he did not believe the ball had moved, claiming, “I had no intention of deceiving.”
He told Golf Channel that he was not cheating or trying to improve his position.
“They certainly exaggerate the problem, making it seem more serious. All of us had a conversation about this topic.
Scottie and the referee did not think it had shifted.”
Thankfully, the penalty did not have to be given. The judges of the tournament reviewed the incident and, according to Espen Blaker of ESPN, ultimately exonerated the 2023 U.S. Open winner of any misconduct.
“Clark ended up with a bogey five on the hole when he failed to make an 11-foot and five-inch putt to save par.”
“He finished the championship with a score of 8-under, trailing Scheffler by one going into the last round.”
“Watch the moment in this video:”
“What do you think about this? Did the ball change position?”