2024 Masters: Top 10 power rankings at Augusta National

Throughout much of 2024, Wyndham Clark has looked like one of the Masters favorites despite this being his tournament debut.

The reigning U.S. Open champion picked up where he left off this year by claiming a victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (albeit in 54 holes). He also added runner-up finishes in two more PGA Tour Signature Events, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship.

Both times, only world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler outdid him.

Clark was rolling.

Then, misfortune occurred at the Houston Open where he injured his shoulder during a pre-tournament workout.

Fortunately, it wasn’t severe enough to force him to withdraw, though many pundits wondered why he didn’t anyway just to err on the safe side. Clark battled through and still made a payday by taking T-31st at Memorial Park.

He seems to be less worried about it than most golf fans and media members are.

“I don't normally have back issues and I don't think this is going to be anything,” Clark was transcribed by teescripts on Friday of Houston week. “You know, after this week it should be gone. It was just unfortunate it happened the week of.”

Clark ranks third on the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Total (1.726), indicative of his great overall statistical profile. It all starts with his prowess with the driver. The former Oregon Duck is 10th in club head speed (122.67 miles per hour) and third in driving distance (305.9 yards).

Augusta National seems like a good venue for a player like Clark who is not the straightest driver. As long as he can control those misses and not let them get too far-flung, he could be a factor as a Masters rookie.