Planning Is attaching a monitor mount without the base possible?

I have an ARCTIC Z3-Pro (Gen 3) triple monitor stand of whose base I'd like to get rid of by making a hole with a thread directly into the desk top so I don't have to use a base on the top and a metal plank on the bottom that screws to the base so it clamps the desk.

Has anyone done that? Is it a bad idea? Will it work with a plywood desk top or is hard wood a must?