A win at one of the last two FedEx Cup Playoff events is a must if he wants a serious chance at the PGA Tour Player of the Year Award 2026 – Wyndham Clark speaks bluntly. This assessment underscores the wild race for the coveted award, where Scottie Scheffler remains the benchmark. Clark is not only boosting his award chances but also fighting for a spot on the Presidents Cup team.
His clear statement: "I would probably have to secure a win here or next week to even be considered." The "here or next week" reference, of course, applies to the hot phase of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, specifically the BMW Championship and the upcoming Tour Championship. It's crunch time, where the wheat is separated from the chaff and legends are born.
On Scheffler's Heels
In 2026, Clark is the only player with more than one season win who also holds a Major title. This includes the 2026 U.S. Open and his triumph at the 2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – no small feats, but true caliber victories. This gives him a credible dark horse role if he can add another win now. At the start of the BMW Championship, he showed that he's in top form. After Round 1, Clark was tied for the lead with a 6-under 64, alongside Rory McIlroy, Gary Woodland, J.J. Spaun, and Chris Gotterup.
Double Pressure
His incredibly strong start at the BMW Championship is a clear statement and strengthens his case in the award race. However, the bar remains high: Scheffler is still considered by many to be the favorite for the award. But for Clark, it's not just about the Player of the Year Award; he is currently also outside the top six in the U.S. Presidents Cup qualification. This tournament is the last chance to secure one of these highly coveted spots. This double pressure truly gets us golf fans excited.
