Wyndham Clark Breaks Silence on Oakmont Ban: 'I Did Something Awful'
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
With the final major of the season wrapped at Royal Portrush, most players are shifting focus to the FedEx Cup and Ryder Cup prep. But for Wyndham Clark, the close of major season also brought a more personal challenge of clearing the air with Oakmont Country Club.
CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 18: Wyndham Clark of the United States in action during the Pro-Am prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by...
CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 18: Wyndham Clark of the United States in action during the Pro-Am prior to the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 18, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by) More
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After missing the cut at the U.S. Open in June with back-to-back rounds of 74, Clark reportedly damaged multiple lockers in a moment of frustration. The incident, initially kept private, exploded when leaked photos surfaced online.
Oakmont responded by banning the 2023 U.S. Open champion from its property, citing discussions with the USGA and its board.
The notice surfaced just as the three-time PGA Tour winner was preparing to tee off at Royal Portrush, and he declined to speak to media early in the week. But after rebounding from a poor opening with a final-round 65, Clark addressed the situation publicly for the first time.
"Obviously I feel terrible with what happened. I'm doing anything I can to try to remedy the situation," the 31-year-old told reporters Sunday evening. "We're trying to keep it private between Oakmont, myself and the USGA. "I'm just happy we have a pathway moving forward. ... I'm hoping we can get past this and move on and hope there's no ill will towards me and Oakmont."
He also expressed disappointment that the club's letter detailing the ban was made public, saying, "Yeah, we were hoping it was going to be private. I'll just leave it at that."
This wasn't Clark's only emotional lapse this season. At the PGA Championship in May, he threw his driver into a sponsor sign at Quail Hollow, damaging the display and narrowly missing a volunteer. When asked about the pattern, he didn't deflect.
"I've been pretty open about my mental shift and change to get better," he was quoted as saying. "I did that in '23 and '24, and then having a tough year and all the expectations and just frustration all coming together, and I did two stupid things."
Per the transcripts, he added, "I hope those things don't reflect because I don't think they reflect on who I am, and going forward that stuff is not going to happen again."
Despite the fallout, the former U.S. Open champion still has a route back to Oakmont.
Clark confirmed about paying for Oakmont damages
According to club president John Lynch's letter, reinstatement requires full repayment for damages, a meaningful contribution to a charity selected by the board, and completion of anger management or counseling sessions.
Clark confirmed his commitment to those terms.
"Obviously it's a no-brainer to pay for the damages. That was a given," he shared during the post tournament conference.
"Then obviously all the apologies, and I want to give back to the community because I hurt a great place in Pittsburgh. ... I want to show them who I really am with the apology and the things I'm going to do."
His T4 finish at The Open was his best since a fifth-place showing at the Houston Open in March. After starting the year ranked sixth in the world, Clark had dropped to No. 28 entering Open week.
He now sits 22nd in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, with only the top six after next month's BMW Championship earning automatic spots. That said, Clark's Ryder Cup destination for the year is in the captain's hand for now.
More Golf: Bryson DeChambeau Hides 'Personal' Message Amid Ryder Cup Confirmation
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