Hold onto your hats, sports fans, because the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am just delivered a jaw-dropping finale that will be talked about for years to come. In an unexpected turn of events, the reigning U.S. Open champion, Wyndham Clark, emerged victorious after only 54 holes of play.
"It's like a dream, man. A whirlwind of emotions and feelings," exclaimed Clark during a virtual news conference that had the golf world buzzing. The drama unfolded with the tournament's final round pushed to Monday due to Mother Nature unleashing her fury in the form of heavy rain and 60 mph winds.
As golf enthusiasts anxiously awaited the resumption, the PGA Tour, in collaboration with Monterey County emergency authorities, dropped a bombshell Sunday night. With safety taking precedence, they decided to call it off, and no more golf would be played. The storm's wrath, set to linger into Monday morning, prompted a shelter-in-place order for the Pebble Beach community.
But hold the phone, folks! The decision to end it early doesn't diminish Clark's triumph. With a stellar performance that included a Pebble Beach record 12-under 60 on Saturday, Clark claimed his third PGA Tour victory, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the golfing world.
Clark, standing tall at 17 under, had battled Ludvig Åberg for the top spot, holding a precarious 1-stroke lead after the third round. Reflecting on his remarkable feat, he declared, "Coming down 16, 17, 18 at Pebble Beach [on Saturday] it felt like a Sunday ... as I come to the green I got a standing ovation and everyone was giving me the respect for having such a great round. When I shook hands and waved to the crowd, it really felt like I just won the tournament, so I don't feel like I got cheated at all."
The golf world held its breath as Clark, despite a sleepless night and a day of uncertainty, showcased mental fortitude. Playing cards, watching movies, and taking a stroll to assess storm damage, Clark tried to stay distracted. Little did he know that destiny was on his side.
In an unexpected twist during a ping-pong match, Clark received the call that sealed the deal. Emotions ran high as he and friend Brian Kettler, caught off guard, embraced and shed tears of joy. For Clark, Pebble Beach is more than just a tournament venue; it's a sacred ground. "This tournament is very special to me and my caddie, John [Ellis], mainly because it's both of our favorite place in the world," Clark revealed.
Saturday's performance showcased Clark's resilience, overcoming recent putting struggles with a newfound technique. "A lot of big changes, but when you're in a spot where I was mentally in putting, you kind of needed a change," he explained. And what a change it was! Clark led the field in strokes gained putting for the week, setting Pebble Beach ablaze with two eagles and nine birdies on that memorable Saturday.
Clark's victory, though unconventional, adds a new chapter to Pebble Beach's storied history. As he remarked, "Obviously, you never think about winning a tournament in 54 holes. And it's maybe not the way you dream of winning, but with that said, I think a lot of us yesterday kind of had... this outside shot in thinking that maybe this is our last round. So yeah, it's been an amazing last 36 hours."
Wyndham Clark, against all odds, etches his name in Pebble Beach lore, proving that in the world of golf, the unexpected can be the most exhilarating.
