North Carolina State University Athletics
Clark Finishes Second at Sony Open
1/17/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Jan. 17, 2011
Final Round Highlights | Clark Interview Transcripts
HONOLULU (Reuters) - NC State golf great Tim Clark was delighted to finish tied for second at the Sony Open on Sunday despite not playing his best golf during the week.
The straight-hitting Clark was six strokes off the pace going into a marathon final day of 36 holes at Waialae Country Club but he clawed his way up the leaderboard with closing rounds of 66 and 64.
His six-under-par 64 in the final round was the lowest score of the day and left him at 14-under 266, two strokes behind triumphant American Mark Wilson.
"I'm happy about the week," Clark told reporters after signing off with three birdies in his last four holes.
"I didn't feel I played my best golf and I've come second, so I'm really excited about what I can do in the next few weeks, if I can improve on the little things that I need to."
Clark, who won his maiden PGA Tour title last year at the elite Players Championship, knew he faced an uphill task going into the final day of the Tour's first full-field event of the season.
"I was playing nicely but I certainly wasn't in the mix and didn't feel like I had my best (game)," the 35-year-old said. "Today was always going to be a tough day with 36 holes.
"If you could get out and play somewhat consistent, you could move up the leaderboard.
"I guess this afternoon turned out to be a pretty good round looking back at the other scores. But it was all just sort of steady golf and in the end I had a chance."
SIZZLING NINE
Clark, who teed off at the par-four 10th to start the final round, surged into contention with a sizzling back nine of four-under 31 to trim Wilson's lead to just one shot.
However, Wilson played bogey-free golf on the final day at Waialae and ultimately sealed a two-stroke victory by sinking a five-foot birdie putt at the last.
"I was coming from behind, and always had a lot of work to do today to win the tournament," said Clark, who is renowned for his driving accuracy and pinpoint short game.
"Mark always had it in his control and he was able to finish it off."
Perhaps the biggest bonus for Clark over the last two weeks in Hawaii has been his smooth adjustment after switching his golf club manufacturer from Srixon to Titleist.
"I feel like I have worked right into it very quickly," he said. "I feel very comfortable with the product and the control of the golf ball has been great these last two weeks with the wind."
