Wyndham Clark’s journey took an unexpected turn at the 2025 US Open when he faced consequences for a moment of anger that left a mark—quite literally—on his reputation. After missing the cut, Clark was accused of causing damage to two lockers in the Oakmont locker room, an act that has not only raised eyebrows but also resulted in a suspension from the property.
Photos of the aftermath of Clark’s outburst quickly made the rounds, leading to widespread criticism. The golfer himself acknowledged the incident, expressing deep regret for his actions. “I’m very sorry for what happened,” he remarked, a sentiment that underscores the weight of his momentary lapse in judgment.
In a comprehensive letter addressed to club members, Oakmont president John Lynch detailed the repercussions of Clark’s behavior. The letter outlined that Clark’s suspension would remain in effect until he meets a set of conditions aimed at making amends. To facilitate his potential return, Clark will need to cover the expenses from the damage he caused, make a substantial charitable donation, and successfully complete anger management or counseling sessions.
Lynch’s letter was clear: “This decision will remain in effect unless formally reconsidered and approved by the Board,” highlighting the seriousness with which the club is treating the situation. The focus is not just on punishment but also on ensuring that Clark takes steps toward personal growth and accountability.
Reflecting on the incident at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, Clark reiterated his remorse but also expressed a strong desire to put it behind him. “I want to move on from the incident quickly and concentrate on finishing the season strong,” he mentioned, with the goal of potentially securing a spot on the US Ryder Cup team.
As he navigates through this challenging moment, the 2023 US Open champion knows he may require a captain’s pick from Keegan Bradley to be included in the Ryder Cup team that heads to Bethpage Black in September.
When asked about the Oakland incident during a recent media engagement at the Scottish Open, Clark shared insight into his mindset following the explosive episode. “I made a mistake in a moment of rage with, you know, a bad year and everything coming together,” he explained. Yet, he views this misstep as a catalyst for change. “It was a good wake-up call for me to say, ‘Hey, let’s get back on track and things aren’t that bad.'”
With a renewed perspective, Clark emphasized the positives, stating, “I live a great life and I’m not that far off from playing good golf. I feel like I’ve turned a page and we’re now maybe on the right track of playing some good golf.”
As Clark prepares for the first two rounds of The Open alongside Tom Hoge and Corey Conners, all eyes will be on him—not just for his game, but for how he continues to grow from this experience. The journey of redemption can indeed be as compelling as the game itself, and for Clark, this season is shaping up to be one filled with lessons learned and goals to achieve.
