Wyndham Clark claimed his second major victory at the 126th U.S. Open, winning in a wire-to-wire fashion at Shinnecock Hills. This win marks his second U.S. Open title in four years, following his triumph in 2023. Clark finished one stroke ahead of Sam Burns, securing a record-breaking prize money for his victory.
Clark’s path to victory was not without its challenges, particularly regarding crowd reception. On the Saturday before his final round, as he completed his third round with a significant lead, the grandstands were sparsely populated. Clark noted the unfortunate lack of spectators for what he considered key moments in his round.
The muted atmosphere prompted discussion among golf observers, with various theories emerging. Some attributed the low attendance to the location and the commute back to Manhattan, while others suggested the World Cup or the USGA’s scheduling decision to start the final pairing later in the afternoon. However, a prevailing sentiment was that the crowd’s indifference was directed at Clark himself.
Despite the subdued reception on Saturday, Sunday saw a dramatic shift in crowd dynamics. Shinnecock Hills was overflowing with spectators, but Clark found himself in the role of an antagonist. Throughout the day, playing alongside Scottie Scheffler, the galleries often reacted negatively to Clark’s shots, cheering his misfortunes and remaining silent when he salvaged pars. Incidents included fans being removed for hurling abuse, and loud cheers when Clark encountered trouble on the course.
Clark acknowledged the crowd’s sentiment during the trophy ceremony, stating, “New York didn’t really like me. I love you guys. But I get it.” This public perception is not new for Clark, who has faced scrutiny following incidents such as breaking lockers at Oakmont and other displays of frustration on the course. He has been working to repair his image and has become a figure who elicits strong reactions in the golf world.
Rebuilding Game and Mindset
The version of Clark who arrived at Shinnecock Hills was different from the one who left Oakmont a year prior. He spent the intervening months focusing on both his game and his mental approach. Julie Elion, his sports psychologist since 2022, played a crucial role in helping him navigate a crisis of confidence that followed his previous struggles. Elion was present on the driving range on Sunday, helping Clark maintain his focus amidst the pressure.
Clark also sought to refine his swing, collaborating with Cherry Hills instructor Pat Coyner. This collaboration aimed to address a prolonged slump and help Clark regain the form that had previously established him as a rising star in the sport. The efforts in both his mental and technical game began to show results as he approached the U.S. Open.
The period after Oakmont was described by Clark as a time when his inner circle created a “cocoon” around him. Missing out on the Ryder Cup further impacted him. However, this period of isolation, technical adjustments, and mental reset ultimately fostered a renewed sense of self-belief. Clark indicates that the anger that once fueled his outbursts has largely subsided, replaced by a new perspective derived from improved performance, greater personal contentment, and a realization that he had become overly concerned with external factors.
A Champion’s Resilience
Clark’s victory at Shinnecock Hills demonstrated a player who had not only rebuilt his swing and confidence but also learned to perform without needing public approval. This marks his second U.S. Open title in four years, a feat achieved by navigating golf’s demanding tests. In 2023, he stared down Rory McIlroy, and in this recent victory, he held off the world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, despite facing a largely unsupportive crowd.
His final round score of 73 was the highest by a U.S. Open champion since Graeme McDowell in 2010. Clark’s new world ranking after this victory is eighth, marking his return to the top ten since April 2025. He is also only the second player since 1986 to win the U.S. Open twice while ranked outside the top 30 on both occasions. This win adds him to a list of 24 players who have won the U.S. Open multiple times, with 1099 days separating his two titles.
Clark is now the ninth wire-to-wire winner of the U.S. Open, joining notable names such as Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, and Tiger Woods. Americans have now won ten of the last 12 U.S. Opens. Tom Kim, who turned 24 on Sunday, matched the best finish by a player representing the Republic of Korea by finishing third. Adam Scott also reached a milestone, becoming only the second player in history to achieve 100 consecutive major appearances.
The championship also saw two amateur winners of the Low Amateur honours, Ryder Cowan and Jackson Koivun, with a total of five amateurs making the cut. Keith Mitchell achieved a unique record, becoming the only player in U.S. Open history to record all four rounds at level par. Clark’s ability to maintain his focus and execute under pressure, culminating in a crucial birdie at the 16th hole, provided the necessary cushion to secure his victory by a single stroke.
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Source: theguardian.com
