Wyndham Clark is the U.S. Open champion for the second time in three years.
This time, he did it in wire-to-wire fashion, never relinquishing the lead.
“The first one was amazing, and this one seems even better,” Clark said. “I think especially after such a sour taste last year in this championship, to have some redemption and win this again is — I mean, gosh, it’s almost surreal.”
Last year was in reference to when Clark missed the cut at the 2025 edition of this tournament and damaged a locker room at Oakmont Country Club. The 32-year-old said on Sunday that was his lowest point.
Clark’s final round 3-over 73 was enough to stave off Sam Burns, winning by one stroke on the treacherous Shinnecock Hills course. He also endured persistent heckling from a crowd that was very pro-Scottie Scheffler, with whom he was paired for the final 18 holes.
The heckling was so bad that it was mentioned on the broadcast and by numerous reporters at the course. When Clark and Scheffler teed off, the gallery sang happy birthday to Scheffler, who turned 30 on Sunday, and actively rooted against Clark.
“I was kind of making jokes about it with Dave where if we heard someone cheer for me, I’d go, oh, there’s one person that likes me,” Clark said. “So we would kind of make jokes and make it maybe a little light-hearted.”
Still, Clark persevered. His Round 1 6-under 64 was the saving grace. He was never able to recreate the magic of Thursday, but 69-70-73 was sufficient to get him over the finish line at a course known for rarely letting anyone finish under par.
To top it all off, Clark’s dad, Randall, surprised him on the 18th green – a Father’s Day gift to himself, to see his son win in person for the first time.
“For him to surprise me was amazing, and so I can’t wait to spend more time with my dad tonight and celebrating this, because it’s not just my win. It’s my team.”
This is Clark’s second win in a month after he won at May’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson. That first win of the season came just two months after he parted ways with long-time caddie John Ellis after eight years.
Ellis was among the names Clark mentioned when thanking the team that got him to this point. He also thanked his new caddie, David Pelekoudas, also known as Big Wave Dave.
Clark’s winning number was 4 under, followed by Burns at 3 under. Tom Kim rounded out the top three at 1 under. In the threesome finishing at T-4 and even par was J.T. Poston, Keith Mitchell and Scheffler.
Scheffler will have to wait another year for a shot at the career Grand Slam.
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