Major Champion Wyndham Clark can’t wait to test his game on a new stage this week as he makes his first appearance on Spanish soil at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters.
The American has enjoyed a memorable 2023, winning his first PGA TOUR title at the Wells Fargo Championship a month before landing victory at the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.
Success at his national Open – where he finished one stroke clear of Rory McIlroy – all-but secured him his debut Ryder Cup appearance, going on to earn 1 ½ points from three matches as the U.S. Team lost to Team Europe in Rome earlier this month.
Asked whether winning in his first regular DP World Tour start would be particularly meaningful after the Ryder Cup loss, he replied: "Anytime you can get a victory or play good, it's nice.
"I'm not necessarily thinking about vindication by any means.
"I'm here to compete against some best players in the world and enjoy Spain."
Clark was part of a visiting U.S. side bidding to win the Ryder Cup on European soil for the first time since 1993 but lost the opening session 4-0 and from there were unable to claw their way back.
Reflecting on the experience, the World Number 10 says while he enjoyed the experience, not playing a tournament following the Tour Championship on the PGA TOUR meant he arrived short of sharpness.
“Obviously, it's a unique environment, something that we don't always have in golf, and I loved that.
“I loved everything about it. The team aspect was so much fun.
“As far as learning, I learned things that I would do differently. I think going into next year I would want to be a little bit sharper, like playing a tournament prior instead of having four weeks off.
“I kind of didn't feel like I had my best game when I was in Rome, and so it would be nice to just be a little bit sharper.
“But other than that, I just really enjoyed the whole experience and hopefully next (time) it results in a little bit better than this year.”
Following a few weeks off post Ryder Cup, Clark now arrives at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande ready to compete in the ninth edition of the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters. And so far he's impressed by the what he has seen of the venue, which also boasts a long history of hosting the prestigious European Nations Cup - Copa Sotogrande for leading amateurs across Europe.
“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “This area is beautiful. Golf course is nice. The weather's nice and the food's been fantastic.
“So thus far I've loved Spain and I'm bummed I couldn't play last week as well. I would've loved to see Madrid. But it's been great thus far.”
Sunshine in the lead-up to the event is set to be replaced by wind and rain at times over the coming days, something Clark believes will ensure the course plays to its most exacting.
“Well with the first two days (I’ve been here), we haven’t really had much wind, and I think there's supposed to be wind and rain in the forecast, so that's going to make it difficult.
“But it's definitely a course you want to be in play off the tee.
“There are some narrow holes, but once you're in play you can be pretty aggressive.
“So, depending on the conditions, I think the scores going to be low, but with a lot of winds any course gets tougher.”
