The final of the Players Championship, the flagship event of the PGA Tour, could not have been more dramatic: The world number one plays a magnificent round, with three players chasing him on the final holes to force a play-off. Firstly Brian Harman dropped out of the race, then Xander Schauffele. Finally, Wyndham Clark has the chance to reach the play-off against Scottie Scheffler on 20 under par.
The reigning US Open winner absolutely needs a birdie on the 18th to do so. Clark plays the difficult tee shot courageously and aims straight for the flag as he approaches the green. A good five metres then separate him from the play-off. His putt is good and seems to hold the line until the last second, but it doesn't want to drop.
Shocking Lip-out at Final Hole of Players Championship
One ... shot ... short ... ?
Heartbreak for Wyndham Clark on the 72nd hole @THEPLAYERS. pic.twitter.com/6d1Qa3elOa— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 17, 2024
Unreal. pic.twitter.com/HU5GEd7o6g
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 17, 2024
"I'm still a bit beside myself. I'm shocked that putt didn't go in," Clark said in frustration after the round. He was so sure that the ball would fall that he had already started to cheer, as you can see on another video. By missing the chance, the American made his compatriot Scheffler the immediate winner of the Players Championship. The incident is likely to gnaw at the 30-year-old for a while yet. Perhaps the 1.8 million dollars in prize money he received for finishing in a tie for second place will help.
"I don't know how that putt doesn't go in." pic.twitter.com/FPpDx2S4ID
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 17, 2024
