Frustration supplants expectation in mind of defending US Open champion Wyndham Clark

Wyndham Clark has low expectations about defending his US Open title as he struggles to get his game back on track.

The 30-year-old has yet to make a cut in a major this year despite an impressive start which saw him win at Pebble Beach in February and finish runner-up at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship the following month.

But in his last six events since mid-March he has three missed cuts with just one top-five finish and he admits world number one Scottie Scheffler – who enters this week off the back of his fifth win of the season – is making the game look easy.

"My frustration level is definitely higher than it's been in a long time"

"I haven't been playing my best golf. It’s been kind of a tough stretch these last few weeks. Really I’m trying to gain some momentum for the rest of the season," he told a press conference.

"I know that maybe sounds like low expectations for the week, but honestly I’d really like to hit some good shots, have some really good up-and-downs, make some key putts throughout the week, and play four solid rounds.

"My frustration level is definitely higher than it’s been in a long time. I’ve got to believe that good golf is around the corner."

Despite his recent troubles Clark is still ranked fourth in the world but he is not in the top 20 when it comes to the bookmakers’ lists for the tournament.

He accepts he has to improve the psychological side of his game.

"The difference I think between the guys that really make it and enjoy the game, have a long career, they’re just better mentally than everyone," he added.

"I have to work on my expectations, just not putting so much pressure on myself.

"It is tough. I mean, it’s obviously challenging being one of the top players,