If you’ve been keeping up with the Apple TV+ comedy Stick, you already know that the show basically lives and breathes on its awkward, dry humor and Owen Wilson’s signature "wow" energy. But honestly, the real lightning bolt didn't strike the fairway until episode 8, "Clark the Mark," when Timothy Olyphant finally showed up in the flesh as the infamous Clark Ross.
Most people spent the first half of the season hearing about Clark like he was some sort of mythical golf boogeyman. He was the guy in the insurance commercials. The dude who supposedly ruined Pryce Cahill's career back in 2009 at Sawgrass. When he finally stepped onto the screen—starting with a literal shot of his bare backside, because of course—it changed the entire vibe of the show.
The stick cast Clark Ross dynamic isn't just a side plot. It's the engine that makes the whole series make sense.
The Sawgrass Incident: What Actually Happened?
For seven episodes, we were told that Pryce (Owen Wilson) had a public meltdown because he was a "hothead." The truth that came out is way more personal and, frankly, makes you want to reach through the screen and punch Clark Ross yourself.
During the 2009 tournament at Sawgrass, Clark Ross wasn't just playing better golf; he was playing psychological warfare. He said something absolutely vile about Pryce’s late son, Jett. It wasn't just trash talk. It was a targeted strike at a grieving father. Pryce did what most of us would do—he decked him.
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But because Clark is the "Golden Boy" with the perfect tan and the corporate sponsors, Pryce was the one who lost his tour card. Clark didn't just win the tournament; he stole Pryce’s entire future. Seeing Timothy Olyphant play this role is fascinating because he’s usually so likable. Here? He’s a "smarmy" pro-golfer who uses his charm as a weapon.
Why Timothy Olyphant is the Perfect Rival
There’s a specific kind of "punchable" energy that only a truly great actor can pull off. Olyphant has spent years playing cool, collected heroes like Raylan Givens in Justified or Cobb Vanth in The Mandalorian. In Stick, he pivots.
Clark Ross is loathsome because he’s fake. He gives these "from the heart" speeches about his golf academy and his steakhouse, but you can see the gears turning. He’s a narcissist who views everyone else as a stepping stone.
The casting works so well because of the contrast with Owen Wilson’s Pryce. Pryce is a mess—he’s struggling, he’s living in an RV, and he’s trying to mentor a teenager (Santi, played by Peter Dager) who is just as rebellious as he was. When Clark Ross enters the room, he represents everything Pryce could have been if he hadn’t let his emotions take over. Or, more accurately, he represents the hollow success that Pryce avoided by being a real human being.
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The Hustle: Clark the Mark
The turning point for the stick cast Clark Ross storyline happened at Ross’s own steakhouse. The plan was simple: hustle the hustler.
- The Target: Get Santi a sponsor exemption for the ReadySafe Invitational.
- The Players: Pryce, Mitts (Marc Maron), Elena (Mariana Treviño), and Zero (Lilli Kay).
- The Tactic: Use Clark’s own arrogance against him.
It was satisfying. It was the first time we saw the "found family" of the show actually work together to take down the big bad. Watching Clark Ross get manipulated into giving up that exemption was a high point for the season. But as the finale looms, it’s clear that Clark isn't going down without a fight. He’s already started planting seeds of doubt in Santi’s head, trying to convince him that Pryce is a "shortcut taker" who will only hold him back.
Is Clark Ross the Villain or a Mirror?
Some fans argue that Clark isn't a traditional villain. They see him as a guy who just played the game better—both on the grass and in the boardrooms.
I disagree.
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If you look at his interactions with fans or even his "reporter" date (who was actually Zero in disguise), he’s consistently rude and condescending. He’s the guy who thinks he’s the smartest person in the room because he has a higher ranking on the PGA Tour. He’s currently ranked 51st, which Pryce is quick to point out isn't exactly "legend" status, but in Clark's head, he's Tiger Woods.
What to Watch for in Season 2
With Stick officially renewed for a second season, the rivalry between Clark Ross and Pryce Cahill is going to be the central pillar. We’re moving past the "hustle of the week" and into a full-blown proxy war.
Santi is the prize. Clark wants him because he’s a "phenom" who would look great on a Ross Golf Academy brochure. Pryce wants him because he actually cares about the kid’s future. It’s a battle for the soul of the sport, basically.
If you’re looking to get the most out of the remaining episodes or prepare for the next season, keep an eye on these specific details:
- The Insurance Commercials: They aren't just background noise. They often foreshadow Clark’s next move or show just how much he’s "selling" his fake persona.
- Mitts’ Advice: Marc Maron’s character knows the history better than anyone. When he warns Pryce about Clark, he’s usually right.
- The Sawgrass Footage: There’s a rumor we might see a full flashback of the 2009 incident. Pay attention to what was actually said right before the punch.
The stick cast Clark Ross addition was exactly what the show needed to move from a "golf version of Ted Lasso" into its own weird, gritty, and hilarious territory. Timothy Olyphant is having the time of his life playing a jerk, and honestly? We’re having the time of our lives hating him.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Re-watch Episode 8 ("Clark the Mark") specifically to see how Olyphant uses body language to convey Clark’s arrogance.
- Check out the "Stick Wiki" or fan forums to track the real-life golfers who make cameos—many of them have "interacted" with Clark Ross in the show's fictional history.
- Keep an eye on Apple TV+ press releases for Season 2 filming dates, as Olyphant is expected to move from a recurring role to a series regular.