Wyndham Clark's Shinnecock Shock and Swing Struggles Signal Caution for Bettors

Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark enters the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills as one of the hottest players on the PGA Tour. With a victory at The CJ CUP Byron Nelson and only a single finish outside the top 20 in his last six starts, Clark's recent form has seen his price adjust to +390 (BetRivers). However, his recent admissions regarding his swing mechanics and his surprise at the course setup suggest bettors should approach with caution.

Clark's current momentum follows a highly turbulent period. After climbing to World No. 7 in 2024, he endured the worst season of his career in 2025, plummeting to 33rd in the Official World Golf Ranking. Clark revealed he had entered a "dark place" due to his decision to go without a swing coach starting in late 2022. While the self-taught approach initially yielded his 2023 U.S. Open title and a strong 2024, it eventually led to a severe decline in his ball-striking.

"I didn't know exactly what I was looking for," Clark admitted of his solo coaching stint, which left him battling "a lot of bad habits" and mounting frustration. Although he has turned his game around in recent months, relying on a self-corrected swing under major championship pressure remains a volatile variable for bettors to consider.

A Shocking Shinnecock Setup

Further complicating Clark's outlook is his candid reaction to the course conditions at Shinnecock Hills. Clark scouted the venue several weeks ago before his victory at TPC Craig Ranch, but the course he found upon his return for tournament week was vastly different. Speaking on The Smylie Show, Clark expressed disbelief at how much the rough had grown in a short span of time.

"It actually is shocking to see," Clark said of the transformation. "So the fescue wasn't up. It was green and it was only four or five inches."

With the rough now fully grown and presenting the traditional, brutal U.S. Open test, any minor slip in accuracy will be severely penalized. For a player who only recently escaped a severe slump brought on by self-induced swing flaws, Shinnecock's demanding layout could easily expose lingering issues. While his recent run of form is impressive, his current price of +390 (BetRivers) carries more risk than his recent top-20 streak might suggest.