PGA Tour Explains Controversial Wyndham Clark Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Owen Crisafulli | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 2:53 PM ET

The second round of the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational is underway, and one of the early frontrunners is Wyndham Clark. While Clark lost his lead from the first day to Shane Lowry, he found himself involved in a controversial incident on the third hole of the day that led to an explanation from the PGA Tour.

On a day where the majority of the players shot above par, Clark led the way on the first day of action, shooting five under par at Bay Hill. While Clark admitted this course isn't his favorite, he acknowledged that he did feel more comfortable this time around, leading to his strong opening round.

“I don't know if I figured it out,” Clark said of Bay Hill. “I definitely feel a little more comfortable on it.”

Clark finished the second round shooting one under par, and he found himself mired in controversy when he gave himself relief on the third hole when his ball landed in a pitch mark on the fairway. Fans questioned whether this was allowed, as Clark would not be allowed free relief if his ball landed in another player's pitch mark.

Clark appeared to believe that the pitch mark was his own, which would make his move legal. Sure enough, the PGA Tour eventually confirmed as much, saying Clark's ball landed in its own pitch mark.

"After reviewing ShotLink video of Wyndham Clark’s tee shot on the third hole during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, the PGA TOUR Rules Committee determined that the ball returned to its own pitch mark, which entitled Clark to free relief," the PGA Tour said in an official statement on X.

Statement from the PGA TOUR Rules Committee:

After reviewing ShotLink video of Wyndham Clark’s tee shot on the third hole during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, the PGA TOUR Rules Committee determined that the ball returned to its own…
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) March 7, 2025

With his second round in the books, Clark currently sits in second place with a score of six under par. After shooting five under par himself on Friday, Lowry is currently in the lead with a total score of eight under par through two rounds.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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