Clark’s 60 at Pebble Beach gives him a one-shot lead

In a stunning display of skill and precision, Wyndham Clark, the U.S. Open champion, etched his name in Pebble Beach history by setting a course record on a cold and soggy Saturday. His extraordinary round, a scintillating 12-under 60, positioned him as the front-runner in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Clark’s performance, a remarkable nine shots better than the field average, showcased his mastery of the challenging course.

Clark’s round was a display of putting prowess, with five putts sinking from distances of 25 feet or longer. Notably, he even managed to salvage a bogey with a left-handed chip. Finishing one shot ahead of Ludvig Aberg, Clark’s remarkable round may have already secured him not just the course record but also a potential tournament victory and a substantial $3.6 million prize, even without playing another shot.

However, the unfolding weather conditions could significantly impact the outcome. Rain started to fall towards the end of the round, and heavy precipitation was expected overnight on an already saturated course. Additionally, concerns were raised about the potential for ferocious winds, with gusts anticipated to reach 60 mph.

PGA Tour officials, led by Chief Referee Gary Young, faced the challenging task of deciding whether the final round could proceed as scheduled or if delays and alterations were necessary. A decision was set to be made before dawn on Sunday, considering both the current course conditions and the forecast. If unfavorable weather persisted, the tournament might be cut short to 54 holes, mirroring past instances like Dustin Johnson’s 2009 win and Payne Stewart’s 1999 victory.

Clark acknowledged the weather uncertainties but maintained a focused mentality, acknowledging the rarity of a 54-hole event. Despite the potential for a shortened tournament, Clark’s remarkable performance, fueled by a blank-mind approach of “See ball, hit ball,” left an indelible mark on Pebble Beach and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Facing adversity on the par-3 12th, Wyndham Clark encountered a plugged lie in a bunker, 40 yards away from the hole. Despite the challenging situation, he skillfully navigated the ball to the collar of the rough in another bunker. With the ball positioned above his feet, Clark made the unconventional decision to invert a wedge and play left-handed. The ball ended up in the first cut, about 25 feet from the hole. What seemed like an inevitable double or even triple bogey turned into a remarkable bogey save, showcasing Clark’s resilience.

Reflecting on the critical putt, Clark admitted he wasn’t aiming to make it but rather focusing on speed and securing a two-putt to minimize the damage. The unexpected bogey conversion fueled his confidence, and he followed up with two consecutive birdies, swiftly getting back on course.

Clark’s charmed day continued on the 16th when his drive landed in deep, soggy rough. However, luck was on his side as it nestled next to an animal burrow, granting him a free drop and a clean lie. Taking advantage of the soft greens, he aggressively aimed at a back pin, landing the ball 10 feet behind the hole. 24hscore Although the downhill birdie putt fell just short, it showcased Clark’s strategic play.

On the 17th, a 15-foot birdie attempt stopped an inch from the cup, and his ambitious 25-foot eagle putt on the final hole narrowly missed the mark. Despite falling short of these milestones, Clark’s phenomenal 60 set a new tournament record, surpassing the previous mark held by four players. It also edged past the course record set by Hurly Long in 2017 during the Carmel Cup.

The PGA Tour acknowledges records when players are allowed to lift, clean, and place their golf balls in the short grass, a practice not followed by the European Tour. As Clark awaits the final round, potential weather delays loom, with Chief Referee Gary Young indicating that players would be informed by 5:15 a.m. Sunday about any delays.

Ludvig Aberg, Clark’s closest competitor, displayed consistency by going bogey-free for two consecutive days. While Aberg missed opportunities to catch up, including birdie putts on the 14th and 16th, Matthieu Pavon of France, last week’s winner at Torrey Pines, positioned himself in third place with a final-hole birdie. Scottie Scheffler, who started as a co-leader, shot a 70, trailing Clark by four strokes. The overarching objective remains completing 72 holes, even if it means a potentially lengthy final round or a Monday finish.