On the edge of the greatest collapse in US Open history, Wyndham Clark held his nerve against a charge by Sam Burns and a Shinnecock Hills gallery that never gave him much love until he captured his second Open title in four years.
Final Round Drama
Six shots ahead at the start of the final round, Clark’s final act was two putts from just outside 50 feet for par that gave him a three-over 73 and a one-shot victory over Burns on Sunday. Clark, who won the 2023 US Open at Los Angeles Country Club, became the first wire-to-wire winner of the US Open since Martin Kaymer at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014.
This sure didn’t feel like that. His lead was down to a single shot after just five holes, and the stress followed him the rest of the way. The clincher for Clark was one of his worst drives of the day on the par-five 16th. He gouged that out and narrowly cleared a bunker. His eight-iron barely stayed on the back of the green, and he rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt that gave him a two-shot lead with two holes to play.
Gallery Support for Scheffler
It was a signature moment with muted applause. The gallery barracked against him all day, putting all their support behind Scottie Scheffler and his bid for the career grand slam. But despite a wobble on 17 where Clark three-putted to make bogey, the 32-year-old closed out with par to hang on to his one-shot victory.
Clark embraced his partner, family and friends on the 18th green after sinking the winning putt before turning around to the surprise sight of his father, who had caught a red-eye flight from Denver overnight to be there. “That was a shock,” Clark said of seeing his dad, Randall. “My dad hasn’t been to many events; (when I won in) ‘23 he wasn’t there, which was really unfortunate. So, for him to be here in person is amazing. Happy Father’s Day, Pops. I love you so much, and I’m so glad we could share this together.”
Scheffler and Burns Fall Short
Scheffler had his own share of mistakes and never got closer than three shots all day as he shot 71 and tied fourth, four shots back. Burns closed with a 67, his second chance in as many years to win the US Open. He missed two birdie chances on the final two holes, but what hurt just as much was a three-putt bogey on the 15th when he was trying to catch Clark.
Clark had the highest final round of a US Open champion since Graeme McDowell closed with a 74 to win at Pebble Beach. No matter. The 32-year-old American has two US Open titles, and two wins in the last month.
