Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, enjoys playing golf with non-professionals during the offseason. Despite being a three-time Tour winner, Clark likes to have fun on the course with friends, some of whom are former collegiate players and mini-tour veterans. When it comes to handicapping matches against his buddies, Clark typically gives them four to six strokes to make it fair.
Although Clark does have a handicap, which is kept by the Tour and calculated to be plus-9, he finds that giving his friends a set number of strokes is a more enjoyable way to play. This allows for a level playing field and adds an element of competition to their rounds. The idea of jolly golf, as opposed to strictly competitive play, is something that Clark values and wants to promote within the game.
In a recent interview leading up to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Clark discussed his love for playing jolly golf and his partnership with Blade and Bow bourbon. As part of their collaboration, Blade and Bow is hosting a sweepstakes where the winner will get to play a round with Clark at an exclusive private club. The experience will include drinks at the bar, providing a unique opportunity for a fan to interact with a Tour pro in a more relaxed setting.
While Clark competes professionally on the Tour, he understands the importance of recreational play and the role it plays in keeping the game enjoyable for all levels of players. Jolly golf, as Clark describes it, is a way to connect with friends, enjoy the outdoors, and have fun on the course without the pressures of competition. By participating in events like the Blade and Bow sweepstakes, Clark hopes to inspire more golfers to embrace this casual approach to the game.
In the podcast interview with Destination Golf, Clark also delved into the challenges of Tour life, his favorite destinations for buddies’ trips, and the essential items he packs for travel. One of these items is a grounding mat, which Clark believes helps him stay connected to the earth and improves his overall well-being. The wide-ranging conversation provided insights into Clark’s career, interests, and his perspective on the importance of balancing competition with leisure in golf.
As Clark prepared to defend his title at Pebble Beach, he reflected on the joy of playing jolly golf and the memories created on the course with friends. Through his partnership with Blade and Bow, he aims to share this passion for casual play with fans and introduce more people to the lighter side of golf. By promoting a balance between competition and recreation, Clark hopes to inspire a new generation of golfers to appreciate the camaraderie and enjoyment that can be found in a round of jolly golf.
