Wyndham Clark wins second U.S. Open amid crowd hostility

Wyndham Clark captured his second U.S. Open championship on Sunday at Shinnecock Hills, edging Sam Burns by a single stroke after a final round that saw him hold a narrow lead despite vocal opposition from the crowd. Clark, who previously won the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, became the first wire-to-wire winner of the tournament since 2014.

Clark posted a final-round 73 for a 4-under-276 total, the highest closing round by a U.S. Open champion in over a decade. He secured a pivotal two-shot advantage on the par-5 16th hole with an eagle, then maintained his lead through the remaining holes.

"The first one was kind of just the breakthrough of knowing I can do it," Clark said 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."

Scottie Scheffler, who finished tied for fourth, praised Clark’s composure under pressure.

"Winning major championships is extremely difficult. He had some stones down the stretch. … Being in the arena is not for everybody, and I think 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."

Burns finished one shot behind after a strong finish that included a birdie on 15 and a missed 18-foot birdie putt on the 18th.

"I would say last year at Oakmont I felt more I lost the golf tournament. I certainly don’t feel that way today," Burns said. "I did everything I could to have a chance to win today."

Clark acknowledged the New York crowd’s earlier hostility but expressed appreciation for their eventual support.

"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."

The win moves Clark to eighth in the world rankings after a recent victory at the CJ Cup and a series of strong finishes.