The 2023 US Open champion Wyndham Clark has reflected on last year’s controversy at Oakmont…
Wyndham Clark says he feels “awful” about the damage he inflicted on a locker room during last year’s US Open and is targeting redemption this year at Shinnecock Hills.
Clark was issued a ban by Oakmont after taking his frustration on a missed cut out on the lockers of the vaunted Pennsylvania country club during the 2025 tournament.
The American – who beat Rory McIlroy to win the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023 – was sent a letter by the Oakmont president John Lynch last July, which permitted Clark to return to the club if he pays the damages, makes a “meaningful contribution” to a selected charity and undergoes anger management or counselling.
During the Open at Royal Portrush last year, Clark reiterated his sincere apology about what had happened. “It’s a no-brainer to pay for the damages,” he said.
“That was a given. Then obviously all the apologies, and I want to give back to the community because I hurt a great place in Pittsburgh, so I wanted to do anything I can to show them that what happened there was not a reflection of who I am and won’t happen again. But I want to show them who I really am with the apology and the things I’m going to do.”
It is unclear whether the ban has indeed been lifted, with the US Open set to return to Oakmont in 2033. But ahead of this year’s tournament at another feared layout on Long Island, a rejuvenated Clark was asked what he has learned since his ignominious exit from this major last year.
“That was a really challenging time and something I’ve deeply regretted and feel awful that I did that,” he told reporters at Shinnecock.
“But there were so many good lessons in that that really taught me a bunch. I’ve really come a long way, and I’m excited for this year’s Open for some redemption and to move forward and enjoy the challenges of Shinnecock and how great this place is and how amazing this championship is.”
Clark has had a resurgence of late, winning the CJ Bryon Nelson Cup in Texas and then finishing third and 11th in his last two tournaments.
“A lot better than last year,” he said about his form heading into the third major of the season. “It’s been feeling really good. I’ve been starting to really putt good, and the swing has been kind of trending all year. I’m excited to be here playing some good golf.
“Being a major champion is one of the greatest things in golf, and to come back, to feel that and be in the champions locker room is really neat, and coming back to this great championship is something that always kind of reminds me of that amazing year in ’23.”