Wyndham Clark clinched his second US Open title at Shinnecock Hills, overcoming significant crowd adversity and a tense final round to secure victory over Sam Burns.
Wyndham Clark found himself in a challenging position, recalling a time when he felt particularly low after facing public backlash for his behavior at Oakmont, where he had smashed a locker following his missed cut in the previous year's US Open. As he approached the final round at Shinnecock Hills on Sunday, the atmosphere was no less daunting, with the New York crowd largely supporting Scottie Scheffler as he aimed for a career Grand Slam, leading to jeers directed at Clark.
Despite this pressure, Clark triumphed, successfully managing to fend off a potential collapse that could have marked a historic low in US Open history. He demonstrated composure in the face of adversity, ultimately securing his second US Open title in four years with a final round score of 3-over 73, finishing one shot ahead of Sam Burns. "The first one was kind of just the breakthrough of knowing I can do it," Clark reflected after his victory. "And then this one was a lot of redemption. Last year was so tough, a terrible year. I left this place in shambles, and it’s amazing what a year can do. I’m leaving here this Sunday as a champion, and I’m just so blessed."
Clark, who previously won the 2023 US Open at Los Angeles Country Club, became the first player since Martin Kaymer at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014 to lead wire-to-wire in the US Open. The lead he held after 54 holes was the largest in 15 years, yet it dwindled to just one shot within five holes, heightening the tension.
The pivotal moment for Clark came on the par-5 16th hole, where he had made the only eagle of the week on Saturday. This time, however, his drive veered left into thick fescue. After managing to escape the rough and narrowly avoiding a bunker, he executed a precise 8-iron shot that barely stayed on the back of the green. He then sank a 30-foot birdie putt, extending his lead by two shots as he approached the final holes.
Despite his strong performance, the crowd continued to root for Scheffler, who struggled to close the gap and ultimately finished four shots behind Clark. Scheffler acknowledged Clark's resilience, stating, "Winning major championships is extremely difficult. He had some stones down the stretch... It shows a lot about Wyndham, how he handled not only this golf course but I think the crowd today. And he is a well-deserving champion."
Clark's final round score of 73 marked the highest closing score for a US Open champion since Graeme McDowell recorded a 74 at Pebble Beach. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old golfer now boasts two US Open titles and has celebrated two victories in just one month. Meanwhile, Burns, who finished with a score of 67, expressed disappointment after missing his chance to tie the lead on the 17th hole. He described his experience differently from last year, saying, "I would say last year at Oakmont I felt more I lost the golf tournament. I certainly don’t feel that way today. I did everything I could to have a chance to win today."
Clark concluded the tournament at 4-under 276, and his father, Randall, surprised him by flying overnight from Denver to witness his victory for the first time. Even the New York crowd, which had been unsupportive throughout the day, was compelled to acknowledge his triumph. At the trophy presentation, Clark expressed his mixed feelings about the crowd's reception, stating, "New York didn’t really like me — I love you guys. But I get it. Some of it’s self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret, and I’ve been sorry multiple times and I’m still sorry, so hopefully I can win you guys over eventually."
Clark observed fans departing early during Saturday's round and hoped for a robust turnout and energetic support for the final day, which he received, although it was sometimes uncomfortable. One fan was ejected after shouting a derogatory comment, and another incident saw the crowd cheer when one of Clark's shots went awry, demonstrating the intense atmosphere he faced. "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," Clark remarked.
In the final stretch, Clark managed to regain his footing after a bogey on the 13th hole, hitting a remarkable wedge shot that spun back to four feet for a birdie on the 10th, restoring his lead to two shots. He then lagged a 50-foot putt to set up a tap-in. This performance echoed his previous win in Los Angeles, where he also demonstrated his ability to thrive under pressure. Clark's journey has seen him overcome significant hurdles, including a previous defeat to Rory McIlroy three years ago, and this time it was Scheffler he bested.
Reflecting on his latest victory, Clark remarked, "The first one was amazing, and this one seems even better. I think especially after such a sour taste last year in this championship, to have some redemption and win this again is almost surreal." Just a month prior, he had been ranked No. 75 in the world, but his recent performances, including a remarkable final round of 60 to win The CJ Cup, have propelled him to No. 8 in the world rankings. The joy visible on his face as he held the US Open trophy suggested that he felt he had reached a high point in his career.
