Wyndham Clark hopes to shed villain label at 2026 Presidents Cup

Medinah, Illinois – As Wyndham Clark prepared for his practice round during the 2026 Presidents Cup, he heard a fan shout a variation of his recently popular phrase. "Let's open some grape this weekend," the fan called out from above, prompting a grin and then a subtle frown on Clark's face. The phrase had gained traction after Clark's victory at the U.S. Open in June, where he faced heckling from fans unhappy with his lead.

Clark had responded, "We're definitely opening up some grape. A lot of grape," when asked about his post-victory celebrations.

Throughout the Presidents Cup, Clark's catchphrase has been repeated frequently, with fans eager to see the golfer embrace his newfound popularity. The unique format of the event, featuring the USA versus an international team, has been a boon for Clark's image. "Since New York, it's been all love," he claimed, though he acknowledged there is more to changing perceptions than just affection.

Clark admitted, "I don't feel like I'm the villain, and eventually, it would be nice if people were rooting for me and someone else was the underdog."

Clark's strong performance this year, including three wins in 2026, has only added to the complexity of his situation. Despite his recent success, past incidents continue to linger in the minds of golf fans. Clark damaged two lockers at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont following his 36-hole cut, and he threw his driver at the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow after a bad tee shot. These actions led to viral social media posts, a club ban, mandatory anger management counseling, and charitable donations.

While Clark's recent form has been impressive, the damage from his past actions has not diminished. He is a rare golfer who is on a roll and also seeking redemption. As Clark dons the red, white, and blue, he hopes that iconic moments on the course will not only elevate his team but also help alter perceptions of his character.