Wyndham Clark opens up on treatment from golf fans: "It sucks, I want to be cheered for"

In-form PGA Tour star Wyndham Clark says the treatment he receives from golf fans "sucks" and he wants to be cheered for.

The American has been on a tear in 2026, bouncing back from one of his worst seasons to date as a professional that saw him tumble out of the top 50 in the world rankings and hit the headlines for immature outbursts of anger that included damaging a century-old locker at Oakmont.

Clark entered the winner's circle again for the first time since February 2024 with a dominant victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May before winning the U.S. Open for the second time in his career.

His victory at the third men's major of the year was all the more impressive given he had to block out disgusting treatment from some American fans at Shinnecock Hills.

In ugly scenes reminiscent of the 2025 Ryder Cup, some of Clark's mistakes were cheered and several spectators were ejected from the course because of their hostility towards him.

"I'm not going to lie, it sucks," Clark, who outlasted Rory McIlroy last week to win the BMW Championship, told The Rich Eisen Show.

"I want to be cheered for. I would prefer that. It's a lot nicer and makes you feel better."

Clark's difficult relationship with golf fans can largely be traced to a series of high-profile incidents, most notably his behaviour at the 2025 U.S. Open.

After missing the cut last year, Clark damaged a locker in frustration. 

Oakmont subsequently banned him from the property, with the USGA and club board requiring him to compensate the club for the damage, make a charitable contribution and undertake counselling or anger-management work. 

Clark, who has repeatedly apologised for the incident, described it as the lowest point of his career and vowed to try and win back fans or earn new ones. 

His temper had also attracted attention before the Oakmont incident. 

At the 2025 PGA Championship, Clark was criticised after angrily throwing his driver following a poor tee shot. 

Rules controversies have added to that perception

"That being said, I have played other sports and basketball is one of my other best sports," added Clark. 

"I loved an away gym, I loved silencing the crowd and I figured I can win the crowd over being humble and just keeping my head down and smiling.

"When you win, they go, maybe we should start rooting for this guy.

"I said this recently and a buddy of mine [and he said] don't worry about it, keep your head up, it's alright if they don't root for you, just remember Darth Vader had more fun. I was like alright, I guess that's one way to look at it.

"I have jokingly kept that in my mind and thought regardless I am just going to do what I do, and hopefully the fans start rooting for me."

Clark will now turn his attentions to the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake. 

He is one of 30 golfers attempting to win the top prize of $10m at the PGA Tour's season finale.

Victory for Clark would also bolster his case to be named player of the year.

As things stand, world number one Scottie Scheffler is expected to take the crown for the fifth year in a row.