LIV ace apologises for 'unfair' comment after US Open star accused of vandalism
LIV Golf star Graeme McDowell has performed a U-turn on his comments about the vandalism allegations pointed at Wyndham Clark, admitting that his remarks were "unfair". Clark missed the cut at the US Open by a single stroke on Thursday and Friday as many players grappled with rough conditions at the Oakmont Country Club.
After lockers in the Oakmont's historic changing rooms were found damaged, supposedly in a fit of anger, Clark was fingered by certain quarters as the culprit.
In the midst of the commotion, McDowell, 45, jumped to Clark's defence on social media, while hinting at a previous incident involving another player who allegedly conducted himself in similar fashion years ago.
"This is minimal regards what I've seen other players do. Players you would never expect. Oakmont will test any players mental fortitude. Seen it in person. Guess who? 2016," McDowell teased cryptically on X.
The 2010 US Open champion has since retracted his initial comments. "Just to clarify a couple of things from my tweet on Saturday," McDowell posted on Monday.
"No, I do not condone that type of behaviour and damaging property in historic sites like Oakmont. I'm sure Wyndham will pay for any damage and apologise to relevant people. I also believe sporting locker rooms are sanctuaries and what happens there, should stay there.
"The part when I said 'guess who' was unfair on my part because I would never out a fellow pro in that scenario. What happens in those private sporting areas is not for public consumption in my opinion."
The notoriously difficult Oakmont course saw some of golf's biggest names lose their cool, as J.J. Spaun secured his first major. However, none matched the severity of the allegations levelled at Clark after photos of the heavily damaged lockers in the clubhouse began to circulate, as per the Mirror US.
Tron Carter from No Laying Up cited 'multiple sources', alleging that Clark 'really got after it' in the locker room upon discovering he'd missed the cut. The Nuclr Golf account also picked up on the post and stated: "Wyndham Clark allegedly damaged several lockers in the change room at Oakmont Country Club following a missed cut."
Clark's manager, Rob Mougey, did not respond to a request for comment.
Clark, who won the US Open in 2023, also found himself in hot water at last month's PGA Championships after his erratic drive on the 16th then saw him hurl his driver at the advertising boards in a fit of rage, narrowly bypassing a course marshal.
He later apologised for the incident. "As professionals, we are expected to remain professional even when frustrated and I unfortunately let my emotions get the best of me," he said on Instagram afterwards.
"My actions were uncalled for and completely inappropriate, making it clear that I have things I need to work on. I hold myself to a high standard, trying to always play for something bigger than myself, and yesterday I fell short of those standards.
"For that I am truly sorry. I promise to better the way I handle my frustrations on the course going forward, and hope you all can forgive me in due time."
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