Wyndham Clark's latest Ryder Cup claim might turn heads in the golf world

PGA Tour star Wyndham Clark said the Olympic golf tournament is bigger than the Ryder Cup after it was confirmed he's representing Team USA this summer.

Ben Smith

21 Jun 2024

PGA Tour star Wyndham Clark says the Olympic golf tournament is bigger than the Ryder Cup.

Clark made the claim after the opening round of the designated Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands.

The 2023 US Open champion will represent Team USA at Le Golf National in Paris alongside Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele this summer.

Clark said making the national team made him feel as though a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.

"The Ryder Cup in golf is kind of the biggest thing," he told reporters.

"But now that golf's in the Olympics, it's probably even bigger than that, because you're representing your country at such a bigger level.

"Hopefully, all four of us can go and try to snag some podium spots and give medals to the U.S. to try to win that total medal count.

"But, yeah, it's pretty awesome. This probably ranks as the coolest team I've ever made, for sure."

Clark made his debut in the Ryder Cup last September at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.

The 30-year-old secured 1.5 points for his side but they were ultimately beaten quite comfortably.

Clark hit the headlines before the biennial event even began, appearing to call out Rory McIlroy.

The golfer made it clear that he had huge respect for McIlroy and his career achievements.

Though he stated that he believed he was a better player and wanted to prove it.

"I have tons of respect for Rory and because of that respect, I also want to beat him," he previously said.

"I like to think I am better than him and I want to prove that.

"I would love to play Rory - I think that would be really fun for the fans too.

"[We are both] long-ball hitters. We have similar games in that respect. It would be a little bit of David and Goliath. I am hoping to get that chance.

"Regardless of who I play, I am really excited. But That one would be a lot of fun."

Clark said his comments were taken out of context after they made headlines in the golf world.

He later raised even more eyebrows when he suggested Team Europe might be 'leaking oil' and 'mentally fatigued' before the contest began.

Team USA were later accused of not taking their preparations seriously enough as a number of their players took six weeks off before the Ryder Cup got underway.

The first round of the men's Olympic golf tournament will get underway on 1 August.

The women's first round will start on 7 August.

Nelly Korda and the aforementioned Schauffele both won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.