On the edge of the greatest collapse in US Open history, Wyndham Clark held his nerve against a charge by Sam Burns and a Shinnecock Hills gallery that never gave him much love until he captured his second title at the tournament in four years.
Six shots ahead at the start of the final round, Clark’s final act was two putts from just outside 50 feet for par that gave him a 3-over 73 and a one-shot victory over Burns.
Clark, who won the 2023 US Open at Los Angeles Country Club, became the first wire-to-wire winner of the tournament since Martin Kaymer at Pinehurst No.2 in 2014.
This sure didn’t feel like that. His lead was down to a single shot after just five holes, and the stress followed him the rest of the way.
It appeared for a while he could be headed for a Greg Norman-style collapse.
“For the past three hours, Wyndham Clark just teetered on being remembered in history as the next Greg Norman,” wrote American news anchor and podcaster Chris McKee.
“But instead will now be mentioned among the elite names in golf.
“His father told him on 18 after the win, ‘That’s the toughest round of golf you’ve ever played’.”
The clincher for Clark was one of his worst drives of the day on the par-5 16th. He gouged that out and narrowly cleared a bunker. His 8-iron barely stayed on the back of the green. And he rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt that gave him a two-shot lead with two holes to play.
It was a signature moment with muted applause.
The gallery rooted against him all day, putting all their support behind Scottie Scheffler and his bid for a career grand slam. Scheffler had his own share of mistakes and never got closer than three shots all day.
Clark had the highest final round of a US Open champion since Graeme McDowell closed with a 74 to win at Pebble Beach in 2010.
Clark, 32, now has two US Open titles, and two wins in the last month.
“Let’s go!” he said as he strutted off the course. “We’re drinkin’ tonight.”
Some people were removed by police as barbs like “crash and burn, Wyndham” and “don’t choke, Wyndham” were fired his way.
He had a classy response for the crowd after holding on for victory.
“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,” Clark said.
“But today is my day.
“New York didn’t really like me. I love you guys.”
Burns closed with a 67, his second chance in as many years to win the US Open. He missed two birdie chances on the final two holes, but what hurt just as much was a three-putt bogey on the 15th when he was trying to catch Clark.
