SOUTHAMPTON, NY. To be human is to recognize mistakes of all types happen. That’s what life is about. Those who commit egregious ones need to be aware of the magnitude of their actions, take complete ownership and put in place clear remedial steps showing sincere remorse with a clear reset ensuring similar type actions do not happen again.
Wyndham Clark came into the forefront in a big-time manner three years ago when winning the US Open at Los Angeles CC by holding off Rory McIlroy by one shot. Coming into this year’s championship at Shinnecock the 32-year-old had in his last three starts won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson which included a final round score of 30 and a four-round total of 254 — one off the Tour record of 253. Clark followed that win with high finishes including a 3rd at The Memorial and T11 at last week’s RBC Canadian Open.
His play through 54 holes at demanding Shinnecock Hills has been nothing short of stellar. Clark has led in solo fashion each day and now has the golden opportunity to garner his second US Open title.
Prior to that magical moment in 2023, Clark had shown since turning professional in 2017 specific instances his golf game were good enough to compete successfully but doing so in the cauldron of major championship play is the ultimate barometer in determining if such promise can actually be realized.
At last year’s US Open at Oakmont, Clark failed to make the 36-hole cut and before leaving the clubhouse went into a fit of uncontrollable anger promptly destroying two lockers at the venerable Pittsburgh-area club.
The pushback was swift from within the broader golf community. Oakmont CC stated emphatically that Clark would need to pay for the damages he caused and his “welcome mat” to the club was effectively terminated. In short — persona non grata.
For that relationship to be healed, Clark would need to take clear actions showing recognition of his action with clear steps backing that up.
That included financial restitution to Oakmont for the damages caused to the lockers. Oakmont went two steps further — Clark would make a “meaningful contribution” to a charity of the club’s choosing — specifically benefiting caddies. And no less important — Clark would need to successfully complete an anger management program.
Returning to the good graces within the sport required Clark to take clear specific steps.
To his credit, Wyndham has not made lame excuses. Quite the contrary, he has spoken eloquently about his own personal failures. Unlike other high-profile athletes who put up lame excuses for boorish behavior, his comments following Friday’s play were direct and clear.
“Yeah, I’ve gotten a lot of grief since last year, rightfully so. The thing that’s unfortunate is that’s not who I am, what happened last year.
“I’m hoping I can win back the fans that I had or some new fans because it was a terrible incident. You know, I really feel like I can show people that I’m fun and outgoing, I’m fierce, competitive, love the game, respect the game, and I just had a bad moment. Hopefully I can win those people back.
“Yeah, I definitely feel like I’m in a better place. Hopefully a great weekend and great rest of the year, maybe I’ll gain all those fans back.”
— Wyndham Clark (@Wyndham_Clark) May 19, 2025
All of those items have been completed yet Clark has been bombarded by the same questions relating to Oakmont.
What’s puzzling is that when other golfers have committed comparable actions at various host venues the penalties were nowhere near as comprehensive as what Clark has faced.
Case in point Tiger Woods.
The 15-time major winner has been known to utter clear and totally audible profanities when playing. There’s no question golf can be a frustrating game but golfers need to be aware of how they comport themselves given the audience that’s watching — specifically younger impressionable golfers.
What’s even more remarkable is Woods was awarded the Bob Jones award from the USGA in 2024 — the association’s highest honor.
The award is given to a person who demonstrates “the spirit, personal character and respect for the game exhibited by Jones,” the highest ideals in sportsmanship and the manner by which they conduct themselves.
Frankly, to those who nominated Woods for the Jones award were they utterly clueless in observing how Woods handled himself at various times?
If a bar of personal responsibility is going to be enforced — rightly so I might add — then do so for all players with equal consequences.
Life is an ever-evolving process. Whatever transpires today during the final round at Shinnecock Hills, it’s time to judge Clark from the present day going forward.
The endless regurgitation is pointless. To paraphrase a Biblical quote — those who are free of sin should cast the first stone.
Enough is enough.
Related: What a Round at Ardfin on the Isle of Jura is Really Like
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”