2023 U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark arrives at Shinnecock Hills looking to repair his reputation after a turbulent 2025 that cost him plenty of goodwill among golf fans.

The 32-year-old found himself at the center of multiple controversies last year, but now hopes to show that those incidents do not define him.

At the PGA Championship 2025, Clark threw his driver in frustration after a poor shot, and it almost hit a course marshal. At Oakmont, he smashed lockers in the clubhouse after missing the cut. In doing so, he lost a lot of fans.

“Yeah. I mean I've gotten a lot of grief all you know since last year. Rightfully so the thing that's unfortunate is that's not who I am what happened last year and I'm hoping I can win back the fans that I had or some new fans because you know it was a terrible incident and you know, I really feel like I can show people that I'm fun and outgoing,” Clark said at this week’s U.S. Open.

Following last year’s U.S. Open, Oakmont Country Club banned the former U.S. Open champion for his actions. He is no longer permitted at the OCC, according to club president John Lynch.

However, to be reinstated, the club wanted full repayment for damages along with a charitable donation, as chosen by the board. Clark would also have to undergo counseling and/or anger management sessions.

“I'm fierce competitive love the game, respect the game and I just had a bad moment. So hopefully I can win those people back. And yeah. I definitely feel like I'm in a better place and you know hopefully a great weekend and great rest of the year. Maybe I'll gain all those fans,” Clark added.

Clark did come out and apologize for both incidents last year and now hopes to put those lows behind him with a win at Shinnecock Hills. As it stands, the 32-year-old is well on his way.

Clark at the U.S. Open this week

Clark is off to a flying start at Shinnecock Hills this week. He has set the 36-hole scoring record in U.S. Open history at Shinnecock.

"I really felt like I could be in double digits, but you know, the great thing about that is I didn't feel like I had my best, and I still am leading as of right now," Clark said. "Hopefully I can bring my A-game on the weekend."

Clark recorded an opening-round score of 6-under 64, which gave him a two-shot lead over the field.

Now, with a 1-under 69 in the second round, the American has completed 36 holes at 7-under and sits atop the leaderboard while the rest of the field completes play.

Clark’s performance has certainly won over a lot of fans.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav