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Wyndham Clark promises swag and beers for WM Phoenix Open fans at 16th hole
Wyndham Clark shot a bogey-free 7-under 64 to take the lead heading into Friday at the WM Phoenix Open, but his best move might have been off the golf course. There’s nothing more important in golf than adapting to your environment and it seems like Clark is up to the challenge at TPC Scottsdale, even if it means some light bribery to win over the crowd.
The three-time PGA Tour winner posted the following last night to get the always-chaotic fans on his side at the never-not-entertaining 16th hole. Tip of the cap to you, sir. We see exactly what you’re doing.
“Tossing out some swag and buying a round for some lucky fans on 16 tomorrow 🍻,” Clark said. “Be Loud!!!” He even wrote “Have a drink on me. -Dub” on a beer koozie with what looks a 20-dollar bill ready to be spent. There's also a signed U.S. Open flag, a beautiful green hat, a duffel bag and a handful of other goodies ready to be tossed into the crowd.
Yes, the PGA Tour and WM Phoenix Open are working to minimize the usual bedlam and ensure fan safety, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be a beer (or seven) shotgunned around TPC Scottsdale. Especially if Clark has his way.
Wyndham Clark is doing everything he can to become a fan favorite on the wildest hole in golf and add to its illustrious history. There was Tiger Woods’ iconic hole-in-one in 1997, Joel Dahmen and Harry Higgs’ infamous shirtless celebration back in 2022 and somehow 11 aces over the years at “The Coliseum.” Clark is following in the footsteps of trailblazing PGA Tour veteran Ryan Palmer who started throwing “beer balls” into the crowd to promote unity and a damn good time.
It’s not difficult to get the WM Phoenix Open faithful on your side. All you need to do is promise some signed merch, a few free drinks and not miss the green and you’re immediately the messiah. Judging by Clark's savvy crowd work, this is now his tournament to lose.
