Wyndham Clark went wire-to-wire to win his second U.S. Open title on Sunday (21 June), surviving with a one-stroke victory over Sam Burns at Shinnecock Hills.
A year after he took out his frustrations on the clubhouse after missing the cut, Clark’s final-round 3-over 73 was just enough to give him a second U.S. Open championship in three years. He is only the ninth golfer in tournament history to lead from start to finish.
The 32-year-old – who almost blew his entire six-shot lead in the closing round – carded a 4-under 276 total. The Republic of Korea’s Kim Joohyung checked in third at 1 under.
Paris 2024 Olympic champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, trying to complete the career Grand Slam here, came up short, finishing with a share of fourth place, four shots behind Clark.
Clark and Scheffler played the round together. While Scheffler was celebrated by fans on his 30th birthday with the “Happy Birthday” song, Clark got an earful of boos and heckling from the gallery following the debacle at last year’s tournament.
He kicked in lockers and was barred from Oakmont Country Club until he paid for the repairs.
“Man, they definitely didn’t want me to win,” Clark said. “It’s pretty rare in an Open championship or a major to have fans kind of boo against your shots or cheer for bad shots. I mean, that was tough, but sometimes being the underdog is nice.
“I get it. They were rooting for Scottie. Grand Slams only happen a few times. He’s going to get it. He’s the best player in the world. But today, it’s my day.
“You know, some of it’s self-deserved. I kind of brought it on myself but I also get it, too. Scottie was going for the career Grand Slam, and it hasn’t happened very often.
“Yeah, it was tough, but I’m proud of myself that I battled through. I mean, things really could have gotten away from me. I stood tough. I would have liked to have won by more, but as long as you win, it doesn’t matter.”