Wyndham Clark secured his second US Open championship on Sunday, prevailing in a tense back-nine battle at blustery Shinnecock Hills to defeat fellow American Sam Burns by a single stroke. Clark, who also won the 2023 US Open, carded a three-over-par 73 to finish at four-under 276, becoming only the ninth wire-to-wire winner in tournament history.
A Grinding Victory
Clark began the final round with a six-shot lead but saw it shrink to just one stroke after a shaky front nine. He managed to steady himself through the back nine, relying on his putter and short game. 'I played some ugly golf the last two days, but my putter and short game kept me in it,' Clark said. 'It comes down to just believing good things are going to happen and you're going to make the putt. And fortunately the ones that I needed to make I did.'
The decisive moment came at the par-five 16th, where Clark sank a 24-foot birdie putt after finding deep rough off the tee. He then overcame a bogey at 17 with a two-putt par from 52 feet at 18 to seal the win. 'It has been a grind. I haven't played the prettiest golf so I've been into some pretty sketchy spots. So I felt actually kind of comfortable over there,' Clark said of the rough at 16. 'To make birdie there was honestly a bonus. I just wanted to make par. I mean that was one of the bigger ones I hit today.'
Historic Wire-to-Wire Win
Clark joined an elite list of wire-to-wire US Open champions, the first since Germany's Martin Kaymer at Pinehurst in 2014. He celebrated Father's Day with a surprise visit from his father, Randall, who flew in to watch the final round. 'That was a shock,' Clark said. 'My dad hasn't been to many events. For him to be here in person is amazing.'
Clark earned a record top prize of $4.5 million from a $22.5 million purse, but the victory held deeper significance. The 32-year-old said it was redemption after a difficult 2024 US Open, where he missed the cut and smashed a locker at Oakmont. 'This one was a lot of redemption. Last year was so tough. A terrible year,' Clark said. 'It's amazing what a year can do.'
Fan Heckling and Redemption
Clark faced heckling from some spectators, with the US Golf Association confirming that several fans were removed for unacceptable conduct. 'New York didn't really like me,' he said. 'I love you guys. But I get it. Some of it is self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret ... hopefully I can win you guys over eventually.'
Playing alongside top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, who was celebrating his 30th birthday and seeking a career Grand Slam, Clark acknowledged the crowd's support for his opponent. 'I get it. They root for Scottie,' Clark said. '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.'
Final Leaderboard
Burns finished second at 277 after a closing 67, while South Korea's Tom Kim took third at 279 with a 70. Scheffler shot a 71 to share fourth at 280 with fellow Americans Keith Mitchell and JT Poston. Burns, who birdied four of the first eight holes to put pressure on Clark, said: 'I knew it was going to take something special. Got off to a dream start.' He stayed within one after a birdie at the par-five 16th but missed a 16-foot birdie putt at 18. 'I honestly thought I made it, but just the way it goes,' Burns said. 'I'm sure when I close my eyes tonight I may see that putt again.'
