On his way to becoming US Open champion for the second time, America’s Wyndham Clark had to overcome the unusual challenge of taming a hostile home crowd at Shinnecock Hills.
Clark completed a wire-to-wire victory by holding off Sam Burns by one shot, but perhaps the biggest talking point to arise from the final round was just how badly a significant chunk of spectators wanted the champion to lose.
Clark dealt with shouts of “get in the bunker” after many of his shots, while cheers were also muted when he played good shots or holed putts.
Some of that was down to the fact his partner in the final pairing was the hugely popular world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, who was attempting to complete the career Grand Slam.
However, this was not just about Scheffler’s popularity, given the crowd also seemed desperate to see Burns claim a maiden major title.
Clark’s victory came a year on from him being banned by Oakmont Country Club, the host of last year’s US Open, after he damaged a locker in anger after being frustrated with his play at the tournament.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the final round of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Following his win on Sunday, he said: “New York didn’t really like me. I love you guys, but, you know, I get it.
“Some of it is self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret.
“I’ve been sorry multiple times and I’m still sorry, so hopefully I can win you guys over eventually.
“But I get it, they root 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.”
Reid: Atmosphere was strange and surreal
Former European Solheim Cup stalwart Mel Reid was on the course for Sky Sports Golf, and found the atmosphere Clark was faced with “strange and surreal”.
“That cannot have been easy for him,” Reid said. “Not only are you trying to win the US Open with a big lead, but when your home crowd are against you. I can only imagine it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of Clark’s round as the American survived a huge scare at Shinnecock Hills to hold on and win the US Open with a par on the 72nd hole
“You expect it at a Ryder Cup, or even a European trying to make a move in this tournament, but when it’s your own person, it was a very strange, surreal experience for me today being on the course.
“I could hear everything he was doing because people were cheering the wrong shots.”
Sky Sports Golf’s Nick Dougherty believes the hostility Clark faced was a reflection of modern society.
“To a degree it’s the world we live in, where social media runs wild,” Dougherty said.
“Things happen that used to be yesterday’s chip paper going forward, but not so much now. Things resurface in the future.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sam Burns birdied the par-five 16th during his fourth round of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills
“Comments that he made for instance at The Masters par-three competition, did not go down well.
“Things he’s said before and his behaviour at the US Open last year.
“You sort of never escape your past any more.”
Scheffler: Cheers for bad shots a bit much
Despite having been on the right side of the crowd, Scheffler admitted he thought some of Clark’s treatment was “a bit much”, but credited his rival for triumphing under pressure.
“The crowd was tough today,” Scheffler said. “New Yorkers, they are tough people. There was a good turnout from the fans. You like seeing the fans cheer for you. I think sometimes it can get a little too much when balls are kind of going off greens and you start hearing cheers. That felt a bit much to me.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Clark holed a key birdie putt on the 16th hole to take a two-shot lead heading to the final two holes
“But, at the end of the day, I can’t control fan behaviour. Being in the arena is not for everybody. There’s been crowds that have been for me in my career; there’s been crowds that have been significantly against me in my career.
“I think Portrush was a scenario for me where Rory (McIlroy) is in his hometown. Or not his hometown; he’s in Ireland, not far from where he grew up. Crowds can be tough.
“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 as well and is a well-deserving champion.”
What’s next?
The PGA Tour heads to TPC River Highlands in Connecticut for the Travelers Championship, the latest Signature Event, while the DP World Tour is in Torino for the DS Automobiles Open d’Italia.
Both events are live from Thursday on Sky Sports Golf, along with the final men’s major of the year – The Open at Royal Birkdale – from July 16-19. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland
