Wyndham Clark faced jeers from the New York crowd as he tried to hold onto a six-shot lead in the final round of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills. It was a test not just of his golf game, but of his composure after a year of controversy and self-described 'redemption'.
The US Open is one of golf's four major championships, known for its tough course setups and dramatic final rounds. In 2025, the tournament came down to a battle between American golfers Wyndham Clark and Sam Burns. Clark started the final day with a six-shot lead over playing partner Scottie Scheffler, the world number one chasing a career grand slam. But the lead quickly shrank as Clark bogeyed early holes and Burns stormed ahead with birdies. Clark ultimately shot a round of 73 to win by one shot, with Burns finishing at four under par. Scheffler ended tied for fourth after a one-over 71.
“Wyndham Clark's US Open win amid crowd jeers and redemption from a locker-room controversy.”
Clark's victory was overshadowed by crowd hostility. Many spectators rooted for Scheffler, and Clark's past behaviour had made him unpopular. Twelve months earlier, at the 2024 US Open at Oakmont, Clark missed the cut and damaged a locker in the clubhouse in a fit of anger. He was subsequently banned by Oakmont, issued a belated apology, paid for the damage, and was asked to make a meaningful charitable contribution and undergo anger management. Clark admitted the adverse reaction was 'self-deserved', saying: 'I'm still sorry for last year.' After his win, he described the title as 'redemption'.
The final round featured dramatic swings. Burns, who started at level par, made birdies on the first two holes and a 25-foot putt on the fifth to cut the lead. Clark's advantage slipped to one shot at times. But he steadied himself with an unlikely 24-foot birdie putt from off the 16th green, then three-putted the 17th to fall back to four under. A par on the last sealed victory, and he was surprised by his father Randall, who had flown overnight from Denver to watch on Father's Day.
The win was Clark's second US Open title in four years (his first came in 2023). It marked the ninth time the event was won wire-to-wire, and the first since Martin Kaymer in 2014. For UK readers, the tournament featured Rory McIlroy, who finished six over after a 73, and Tyrrell Hatton, who was the top European. The crowd behaviour also echoed the tensions seen at the nearby Bethpage Black during the 2025 Ryder Cup, where local police had to eject individuals.
Q: What happened at the US Open? Wyndham Clark won his second US Open title by one shot over Sam Burns. He started the final round with a six-shot lead but shot 73 to hold off a charging Burns, who scored 67.
Q: Why was the crowd against Wyndham Clark? The crowd was largely rooting for Scottie Scheffler, who was trying to complete a career grand slam on his 30th birthday. Clark also had a reputation problem after damaging a locker at Oakmont in 2024 and being banned.
Q: How did Clark redeem himself? Clark apologised, paid for the damage, underwent anger management, and made a charitable contribution. He then won the US Open, calling it 'redemption' for his past behaviour.
What happens next? Clark's victory cements his status as a multiple major winner. The next major on the golf calendar is The Open Championship, where he will try to add a third major title.