American golfer Wyndham Clark holds up the US Open trophy, his second title in four years, at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club outside New York on Sunday. Image courtesy usopen.com.
By Rahul Banerji
Wyndham Clark had to battle himself, the brutal Shinnecock Hills course and hordes of jeering spectators to win his second US Open in Southampton, New York, on Sunday.
The 2023 winner started in awful fashion with bogeys on his first three holes and was staring at the greatest collapse in US Open history before digging deep to fend off a charging Sam Burns at the wire.
Spectators keen to see world number one Scottie Scheffler complete a career Grand Slam were unrelenting but Clark showed steely resolve in emerging the the first wire-to-wire winner of the US Open since Martin Kaymer in 2014.
“The first one was kind of just the breakthrough of knowing I can do it,” Clark (64-69-70-73) said after sealing his one-shot victory with a par putt.
“This one was a lot of redemption. Last year was so tough, a terrible year. I left this place in shambles, and it’s amazing what a year can do. I’m leaving here this Sunday as a champion, and I’m just so blessed.”
Clark gained notoriety when he smashed his locker at Oakmont after missing the US Open cut and has struggled ever since to win back public support.
“New York didn’t really like me — I love you guys,” Clark said at the closing ceremony, holding up the silver trophy.
Making amends
“I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret, and I’ve been sorry multiple times and I’m still sorry, so hopefully I can win you guys over eventually.
“I get it — they (the galleries) were rooting for Scottie. Grand Slams only happen a few times. He’s going to get it. He’s the best player in the world. But today it’s my day.”
After starting out on Sunday with the largest 54-hole lead at the US Open in 15 years, Clark saw it shrink to a single shot in just five holes before staging a fightback against the relentless pressure from all sides.
The result was also a remarkable one for golfers of Indian origin, with five in the starting field and three finishing inside the top 20 for the first time at the US Open.
Sahith Theegala (72-67-70-73) recorded his best US Open result, sharing 11th place on 2 over par 282 with PGA champion Aaron Rai (74-67-72-69).
Left-hander Akshay Bhatia was tied for 17th place after a final-round 70 to go with earlier cards of 70, 70 and 73 to total 3 over 283.
Canada’s Sudarshan Yellamaraju and Indo-American Manav Shah missed the cut.
Mixed feelings
For Theegala, it was a week that mixed disappointment and satisfaction after starting out on Sunday tied for second place alongside Scheffler.
“It was one of the greatest tests of mental patience of my life,” Theegala said afterwards.
“The USGA setup demands total acceptance. Even good shots can be punished, and great putts sometimes refuse to fall. You just have to keep believing.”
Rai’s placing was underlined by his trademark consistent golf.
After opening with a 4 over 74, the Englishman produced three solid rounds to climb steadily up the leaderboard through disciplined driving and accurate iron play.
Bhatia also enhanced his growing reputation in the majors. Playing alongside Rory McIlroy in the final round, he returned a composed even par 70 on Sunday to finish in good company.
Scheffler (72-68-69-71), chasing the career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday, was within striking distance for much of the afternoon but a 1 over 71 scuppered his hopes and he finished sharing fourth place with two others.
Though he had the gallery behind him all the way, Scheffler was appreciative of Clark’s grit.
“Winning major championships is extremely difficult,” Scheffler said. “He had some stones down the stretch. …
Tough cookie
“Being in the arena is not for everybody, and I think it shows a lot about Wyndham, how he handled not only this golf course but I think the crowd today. And he is a well-deserving champion.”
Is sole third place was Korean star Joohyung ‘Tom’ Kim (70-67-72-70), also celebrating his birthday on Sunday, on 1 under 279, two behind eventual runner-up Burns (71-68-71-67).
Clark, Burns and Kim were the only players with under par totals after 72 holes had been completed on Sunday.
Clark’s 73 was the highest final round of a US Open winner since Graeme McDowell closed with a 74 in 2010 while for Burns it was a second opportunity in two years to win his national Open.
“I would say last year at Oakmont I felt more I lost the tournament. Certainly don’t feel that way today,” Burns said later. “I did everything I could to have a chance to win today.”
Also read: Clark extends his US Open lead in trying Shinnecock conditions
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