​Wyndham Clark’s victory at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills proved to be a watershed moment for recreational golfers who dream of turning pro and competing in golf’s marquee events. In the wake of his 2026 US Open triumph, Clark told Golf Digest that he’s a low-spin player with plenty of speed, and that he doesn’t spin the ball much. He emphasized that the Pro V1x fits his game perfectly, particularly with his irons and driver, delivering the right amount of spin he seeks. He noted that the ball’s control around the greens is exactly what he needs, explaining that spin helps keep the ball in the air and makes it easier to stop quickly on the greens. On tour, where the ability to stop the ball swiftly is essential, he believes this ball’s spin characteristics help him achieve that critical control.
Clark shares a common thread with many recreational players: a substantial fade that sometimes borders on a slice. During his Saturday round, he delivered the round’s lone eagle on the par-five 16th hole with a remarkable 275-yard pull-fade 3-wood that started left and curved into the right-to-left wind, landing and stopping mere feet from the hole. He described the moment to ESPN by saying he felt capable of reaching double digits under par, yet he acknowledged that he hadn’t even played his best and still led the tournament at that point, hoping to bring his best performance on the weekend.
On the finishing stretch at Los Angeles Country Club, Clark executed an 80-yard fade off the tee, finding the right side of the final fairway and two-putting for the win in the 2023 US Open. Fades, after all, can be powerful in major championships, and Clark’s success provides a note of encouragement that the typical fade can translate into lower scores for recreational players as well. Yet, as Clark’s career demonstrates, the story of his game extends beyond that single shot pattern.
On the range, Clark has underscored the importance of knowing how far the ball travels when it’s struck from fairways. He explained that having those capabilities on the range—being able to lock in precise numbers—tays his approach to practice and competition. In interviews, he has highlighted how the combination of performance data and feel informs his decisions about equipment and technique. The Go-to gear for him, including a Pro V1x ball, aligns with his goals of controlling spin, managing flight, and achieving the desired soft-landing around greens.
Off the course, Clark’s approach to his equipment and performance has been shaped by the data-driven environment of modern golf. He frequently references ball speed, spin rates, and launch conditions as key factors in his preparation and execution. While his average ball speed and spin rates may be more extreme than those of the average amateur, he demonstrates how understanding and optimizing those numbers—often with a low-spin ball and a particular clubface setup—can maximize distance, control, and stopping power on approach shots.
Clark currently sits 25th on the tour in clubhead speed, averaging around 121.5 mph, a testament to his power. In terms of distance, his profile on the PGA Tour reflects a game built on speed, precision, and a well-tuned ability to shape shots and manage ball flight. His emphasis on low spin, combined with a closed or neutral clubface and a lower trajectory, points to a strategic approach to maximize compression and minimize unwanted sidespin. This combination helps him optimize performance and showcases how disciplined equipment choices and flight control can influence results at the highest levels.
In summary, Wyndham Clark’s US Open triumph and his ongoing approach to spin, ball speed, and trajectory have influenced many recreational players who aspire to professional levels. His candid discussion of gear—especially the Pro V1x—along with his emphasis on predictable spin, trajectory, and greenside control, provides a practical blueprint for weekend golfers seeking to close the gap between their current game and the demands of elite competition.