CLARK CALLS MEDINAH CROWD "DEAD" AFTER PRESIDENTS CUP OPENER

Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa defeated Ryan Fox and Adam Scott 3&2 in a foursomes match on the opening day of the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, helping Team USA to a 3-2 lead after day one. Speaking afterwards, Clark said the crowd had been "kind of dead" and that the atmosphere lacked its usual energy. He said he felt momentum could have been better because fans were not responding as they normally would. As an example, Clark said Morikawa hit a five-wood to around ten feet on the 11th hole, and nobody clapped, so the players could not tell whether the shot had reached the green.

Clark said his comments were intended as a challenge rather than a complaint, saying he hoped fans would be "really rooting" for the team over the remaining days. US captain Brandt Snedeker also described the atmosphere as "weird", saying the opening tee had been loud before the crowd grew quieter as the day went on. Snedeker attributed this partly to a difficult course setup and demanding pin positions, along with viewing areas where spectators struggled to follow the action. He said he still expected Chicago crowds to bring more energy on Friday and across the rest of the weekend.

Clark's remarks were shared on X by the golf account NUCLR GOLF on 25 September and prompted responses from fans online. One response highlighted a contradiction, noting that professional golfers often complain when crowds are loud during play, yet Clark had criticised a quiet crowd for affecting the team's performance. Play at the Presidents Cup continues through the weekend at Medinah Country Club.