U.S. Open 2026: Police kick out fans for taunting Wyndham Clark on a day full of abuse from spectators
Kate McShane
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Wyndham Clark wasn't just playing against the field Sunday on his way to a second career U.S. Open victory. He also had to hold his own against a vocal and partisan crowd at Shinnecock Hills that wasn't just rooting for his rivals but openly against him.
On a handful of holes during the final round, police escorted spectators from the course who openly heckled Clark.
Ultimately, it didn't stop the 32-year-old Colorado native from holding on to win by one shot over Sam Burns, shooting a closing 73 for a four-under 276 total.
"Yeah, it was tough. But I’m proud of myself for battling," said Clark, noting that the atmosphere reminded him of playing overseas at the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. "There’s nothing like winning an away game, if you will."
Carrying a six-shot lead into the final round, Clark was the target of vitriol from the first tee. Fans greeted him with light applause when his name was announced by the starter for his 2:30 p.m. tee time. The quiet was then broken by a spectator yelling “Canada hates you.” It was a reference to Clark wearing a USA hockey jersey during last week’s RBC Canadian Open, and just one of many swipes taken throughout the afternoon.
After hitting his tee shot, fans then cheered “get in the bunker,” a refrain repeated throughout the round, fans openly rooting when he missed greens and failed to hole putts.
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In part, Clark was the victim of being paired in the final twosome with fan-favorite Scottie Scheffler, who was celebrating his 30th birthday and hoped to pull off a comeback win that would have allowed him to complete the career Grand Slam. Scheffler ultimately finished with a one-over 71 and in a tie for fourth place, four shots back of Clark.
As the jeers continued—“Nobody likes you” and “Boogeyman’s coming” among the random comments—Clark started to struggle with his game. He bogeyed the first hole and then made a bad bogey on the par-5 fifth when he flubbed a chip shot, and received more heckles in the process. Another bogey on the seventh hole cut his lead to one shot over Burns.
Despite the hostile atmosphere, Clark never lost his lead the entire round. A birdie on the 10th hole left him at five under for the tournament, and two shots ahead of Burns. Clark benefitted from the fact that Scheffler was not been able to make a move.
"I mean, the crowd was tough today. I mean, New Yorkers, they are tough people," Scheffler said. "There was a good turnout from the fans. You like seeing the fans cheer for you. I think sometimes it can get a little too much when, you know, balls are kind of going off greens and you start hearing cheers. That felt a bit much to me."
Why the venom toward Clark? It comes largely from fans reactions to some of the outbursts he’s had in the last year. The lingering image of him throwing a club and nearly hitting a volunteer at the 2025 PGA Championship remains, as does the infamous incident at last year’s U.S. Open. That’s when Clark raged after a poor round and damaged locker in the Oakmont clubhouse. His actions caused the club to write a formal rebuke to Clark, stating that he would not be welcome back to the club when it hosted future U.S. Opens.
"New York didn't really like me. I love you guys, but I get it," Clark said after the round. "Some of it is self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret. Hopefully, I can win you guys over next week. But I get it; they were rooting for Scottie. The [career] grand slam has only happened a few times. He's going to get it. He's the best player in the world. But today is my day."
Even so, the level of abuse Clark has received this week was excessive, sadly reminiscient of the Long Island crowds' reaction to the Europeans during the Ryder Cup last fall at Bethpage Black