3 reasons why Wyndham Clark had a bad start at Paris Olympics 2024

Wyndham Clark was eager to win the USA another gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olynpics this week. However, a disastrous start to the prestigious event has all but ended his hopes of making the podium.

The American carded in an opening round score of four over par on the Le Golf National course, which is located on the outskirts of Paris. He currently sits tied for near-last 56th place. Clark is one stroke ahead of last place and is 12 strokes behind leader, Hideki Matsuyama.

Here are three possible reasons behind the PGA Tour star's bad start in Paris.

#1 Greens in Regulations

With an average driving distance of 281 yards, the 30-year-old has hit ten out of fourteen fairways off the tee to give him a driving accuracy of 71.43 percent. Despite setting himself up well for an approach shot, Clark failed to make regulations. He only hit eleven out of eighteen greens to tie 41st in the field in greens in regulations with only 61.11 percent of greens hit.

#2 Poor Scrambling

By missing the green with his approach shots, Wyndham Clark put himself under more pressure to make up and downs to save for par. With seven chances to save for par, he only made successful up and downs two times. He also struggled with putting, contributing to poor scrambling, as he made a total of 31 putts over the first round. He stands 54th in the 60-player field in scrambling with a success rate of 28.57 percent.

#3 Back Injury

Wyndham Clark sustained a freak back injury while training in the gym in March this year. Having to deal with the pain, his 2024 PGA Tour season has seen inconsistencies which could be caused by his physical form. The back injury could be affecting the golfer's ability to swing freely, leading to a wide dispersion on his shots.

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Wyndham Clark 2024 Paris Olympics Round 1 Stats

With an opening round score of four over par, Wyndham Clark sits tied for 56th place in the 60 player field at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Here's a look into the American player's stats for the day.

• Birdies - 3
• Pars - 10
• Bogeys - 3
• Double Bogeys - 2
• Fairways Hit - 10/14
• Greens in Regulation 11/18
• Scrambling - 28.57 percent
• Total Putts - 31
• Driving Distance - 281 yards
• Driving Accuracy - 71.43 percent
• Approach Shot Distance to Pin - 9.13
• Strokes Gained - Off the Tee: -1.077
• Strokes Gained - Approach the Green: -2.124
• Strokes Gained - Around the Green: 0.155
• Strokes Gained - Putting: -2.618
• Strokes Gained - Total: -5.664