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Windy Open: Wyndham Clark Wins, McIlroy Slides Ten Strokes

6/21/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

McIlroy Falters

Rory McIlroy fell out of contention, finishing 10 strokes behind Wyndham Clark after a 3-over 73.
Rory McIlroy entered round three seven shots back, tied for 11th at even-par 140.
Five back-nine bogeys dropped Rory McIlroy from 2-under to 3-over 213 after birdying holes 5-7.
Wyndham Clark held a four-stroke lead with a 7-under 131 total.
Wind gusts reached 40 mph, drying greens and prompting Rory McIlroy to play safe shots.

Summary

Niemann Penalized

Wyndham Clark said he wants to win back fans after outburst that followed his missed cut at the 2025 US Open.
Joaquin Niemann received two penalty strokes for throwing a club on the par-four sixth hole, a misconduct violation that recorded his score as an 11 and left him eight-over 78.
The penalties were imposed under the new code of conduct, the first enforcement of the rule at a major.

History

Historical Context

The PGA of America, founded on April 10 1916, split in 1968 when touring pros formed an independent PGA Tour to control prize money and tournament rules. By 1999 the Tour oversaw the season’s flagship Players Championship, won by David Duval. The policy’s legacy shapes today’s penalties for players such as Wyndham Clark.

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McIlroy Falters

Rory McIlroy fell out of contention, finishing 10 strokes behind Wyndham Clark after a 3-over 73.
Rory McIlroy entered round three seven shots back, tied for 11th at even-par 140.
Five back-nine bogeys dropped Rory McIlroy from 2-under to 3-over 213 after birdying holes 5-7.
Wyndham Clark held a four-stroke lead with a 7-under 131 total.
Wind gusts reached 40 mph, drying greens and prompting Rory McIlroy to play safe shots.

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