RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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A Stunning Finish at Bellerive
Wyndham Clark proved he can handle the heat when it matters most. He survived a massive scare on Sunday to win the BMW Championship at Bellerive Golf Course in St. Louis. This victory marks his third win of the 2026 season. He’s now firmly included in the race for PGA Tour player of the year. One victory counted as a major while the second was a FedEx Cup playoff event. The pressure was immense. Clark held a five-shot lead that evaporated in just 11 holes against a gallery favorite. Yet, he held on. He closed with an even-par 70 to secure a three-shot victory. The final round was tense until the very end. After missing every birdie all day, Clark finally sank a birdie putt from just outside 15 feet on the par-3 16th. That moment shifted the momentum. According to ESPN Golf , the win was a testament to his resilience under fire.
The Final Holes and the Chase
The drama unfolded on the back nine. Rory McIlroy made a mess of the par-5 17th hole. He went from rough to bunker to bunker, ending with a bogey. This mistake allowed Clark to pull away. The American then made another birdie and finished with a third straight birdie to shoot a 17-under 263 for the tournament. ESPN Golf reported that McIlroy had a putt to match the birdies and stay tied, but he missed it. The collapse of the lead was stark. Clark admitted the difficulty of the situation. “Everyone gives me a hard time and roots for other people,” Clark said. “Three wins in one season is my best year yet, coming off my worst season” He also noted his pride in the performance. Gary Woodland also moved into the top 30, pulling within one shot of the lead until the end.
Winning three times in a single season is a rare feat for any golfer. Doing it after a worst season makes it even more impressive. Clark’s ability to hold his nerve when McIlroy was charging is the key takeaway here. Most players would crumble under that pressure. Clark found a way to birdie the 16th when he had no birdies all day. That specific shot on the par-3 16th was the difference. It shows a mental toughness that separates good players from great ones. The fact that he won a major earlier this year adds weight to this playoff victory. It suggests he is the complete package right now. He is a consistent threat on the biggest stages. The golf world will be watching him closely as he heads to East Lake. If he can maintain this form, he has a real shot at the FedEx Cup title. The path is clear, but the competition is fierce. Cantlay’s surge shows that the field is deep. Still, Clark’s three wins give him the momentum. He has the experience, and he has the results. The fans may root for others, but the stats don’t lie. This is a career-defining season for the American.
The focus now shifts to Atlanta for the final event. The winner next week at East Lake captures the FedEx Cup. This is the ultimate prize in professional golf. Clark will be looking to add a fourth title to his resume. Cantlay is also excited about the upcoming tournament. He won at East Lake in 2021 to claim the FedEx Cup.
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