Wyndham Clark endured a tough crowd at Shinnecock Hills. Spectators shouted for his shots to land in the bunkers and rough. One was even removed for yelling, “Don’t choke, Wyndham!” But Clark silenced them with a significant 52-foot putt, cementing his second U.S. Open win in four years. His six-stroke lead had nearly evaporated, dropping to just one.
Though New York typically celebrates winners, this crowd favored Scottie Scheffler in his pursuit of the career Grand Slam or Sam Burns, who narrowly missed a victory by one stroke. Clark was less favored due to a past incident at Oakmont Country Club, where he damaged a locker after missing the cut at last year’s U.S. Open. Additionally, he faced criticism for comments made during the Masters Par 3 Contest and for winning over popular players like Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler in 2023.
On Saturday, Clark remarked about fans leaving before the end of his round. Sunday’s reception could have felt harsher. It’s unusual for a leading golfer to face such treatment during a major championship. A similar scenario occurred with Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, yet that was a team event, and U.S. fans directed their criticism largely because of his success with the European team.
Clark approached the situation with an “underdog” mindset, similar to his attitude in 2023. He countered negative comments with positive affirmations. He admitted some animosity might be self-inflicted, acknowledging the unique challenge of Scheffler’s Grand Slam goal. Despite striving to remain composed, the crowd seemed to affect him early, resulting in bogeys on holes two, six, and seven. Meanwhile, fans supported Scheffler, showering him with “Happy Birthday” serenades for his 30th, while Clark’s errors were cheered on.
Applause erupted for Scheffler and boos aimed at Clark as he misplayed the fourth hole and then landed in a bunker on the seventh. Comments like “Wyndham gonna lose ‘em” were hurled as Clark approached the 10th hole. On the 13th hole, the crowd urged Clark’s ball into the grass, rejoicing when it rolled off the green.
After managing a successful birdie on the 16th hole with a 24-foot putt, the crowd’s mood barely shifted in Clark’s favor as he surged to a two-stroke lead. Yet the mocking resumed at the 17th hole. Clark missed an 8-foot par putt, repeatedly waved off taunts, and walked to the final tee amidst chants of “Under Pressure.”
Clark reflected, “It was tough, but I’m proud I battled through. Things could have gone wrong. I stood tough. Yes, winning by more would have been nice, but all that counts is the win.”
Writers Doug Ferguson and Eddie Pells from the Associated Press contributed to this report. For more golf coverage, visit AP golf.