Clark's Second Open Win
Wyndham Clark Secures Second US Open Title, Avoiding Final Round Collapse
Wyndham Clark won his second U.S. Open title on Sunday, holding off a late charge by Sam Burns to finish at 4-under par 276 at Shinnecock Hills. Clark, who led wire-to-wire, became the first player to do so at the U.S. Open since Martin Kaymer in 2014, according to PGA Tour.
The win was hard-earned. Clark entered the final round with a six-shot lead — then watched it shrink to just one by the 5th hole. A clutch 24-foot birdie putt on the 16th and a two-putt par from 52 feet on the 18th sealed a 3-over 73 and a one-shot victory over Burns, CNN reported.
Six-Shot Lead Nearly Vanishes in 90 Minutes
Clark opened the tournament Thursday with a 6-under 64 — a Shinnecock Hills scoring record — and never trailed. But Sunday nearly undid everything. Burns, playing three groups ahead, fired a final-round 67 to reach 3-under. Clark's lead, which stood at six shots at dawn, was down to one by mid-morning, according to Daily Gazette.
One fan was ejected for shouting "Don't choke, Wyndham" on the 4th tee. Others yelled "Get in the bunker" as Clark's ball was in the air, Fox News reported. The crowd was loudly pulling for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who was chasing a career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday. Clark steadied himself and won anyway.
Burns Falls One Short After Brilliant Final Round
Sam Burns gave everything on Sunday. His 67 was one of the best final rounds in the field. He finished at 3-under par — one behind Clark. Burns said afterward, "I honestly feel like I played a really good round of golf. Unfortunately, I just got beat," according to Morning Journal.
Scheffler, playing alongside Clark in the final pairing, finished at even par — tied for fourth. His bid for the career Grand Slam, the only major title he lacks, came up short. Scheffler said he tried to "understand the moment" and give his best, but Clark simply outlasted the field.
Clark Calls the Victory Redemption After a Turbulent 2025
Clark's 2025 was rough by any measure. He missed the cut at last year's U.S. Open at Oakmont, then damaged two lockers in anger — earning a ban from the club. He also drew criticism for throwing a driver and hitting a sponsor's sign at the 2025 PGA Championship, The Independent reported.
At Sunday's trophy ceremony, Clark addressed the hostile crowd directly. "New York didn't really like me — I love you guys," he said. "I did some unfortunate things last year... hopefully I can win you guys over eventually." Belfast Telegraph described the moment as Clark embracing his "villain" role while making a clear bid for redemption.
Clark Joins Elite Company With Two U.S. Open Titles
Clark won his first U.S. Open in 2023 at Los Angeles Country Club on the West Coast. Sunday's win at Shinnecock Hills on the East Coast makes him one of the only players ever to win U.S. Opens on both coasts — a group that includes Tiger Woods and Billy Casper, according to PGA Tour.
Clark takes home $4.5 million from a record $22.5 million total purse. His U.S. Open exemptions run through 2033 — the same year the tournament returns to Oakmont. His reinstatement at the club was reportedly tied to counseling and reparations, which he has completed, Fox News noted.
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