Wyndham Clark reveals how ex-girlfriend's affair with Baker Mayfield sparked years-long grudge

Wyndham Clark has revealed the unexpected reason behind a decade-old dislike of quarterback Baker Mayfield — and it had nothing to do with college football rivalries.

The two-time U.S. Open champion shared the story just days after claiming his second major title with a gritty one-shot victory over Sam Burns at Shinnecock Hills.

Clark's latest triumph came under intense pressure. 

The 32-year-old American battled through a hostile atmosphere during the final round, with many New York spectators openly rooting against him. 

Much of the negativity stemmed from the fallout of his widely-publicised locker-room incident at the 2025 U.S. Open, when he damaged lockers after missing the cut at Oakmont.

Although Clark has repeatedly apologised for his actions over the past year, the abuse directed at him throughout the week at Shinnecock Hills crossed a line.

Despite what was being said outside the ropes, Clark refused to be distracted inside them. 

Sunday wasn't pretty for him, but his closing 73 was enough to secure a narrow one-shot victory over Burns and add a second U.S. Open title to the one he captured at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023.

Just 48 hours after lifting the trophy, Clark appeared on the Pardon My Take podcast, where he was not only pressed on the U.S. Open, but also asked to explain a certain social media post from his college days.

Back in December 2016, Clark wrote on X: "I hate Baker Mayfield."

Most people assumed the comment was linked to college football loyalties. 

Clark had played for Oregon after transferring from Oklahoma State, while Mayfield was starring for Oklahoma on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy.

The real reason for his dislike, however, was far more personal.

After some brief hesitation, Clark went against his PR team's best wishes and revealed the story behind the tweet.

"I’m trying to decide if I should tell the story... screw it, people already hate me... my girlfriend at the time cheated on me with Baker Mayfield," Clark said.

The admission immediately explained the frustration behind the post, although Clark made it clear there is no lingering resentment toward the now Tampa Bay Bucs QB.

"I'm actually a Baker fan now," Clark continued.

"At first your reaction is, 'Screw that guy.' But really it's not him you're upset with."

Time, it seems, has healed old wounds.

In fact, Clark joked he would even welcome the chance to clear the air with the NFL star in person.

"I actually hope this is a bro moment for us," Clark said. 

"Like, 'Oh man, I didn't know, my bad.' And I'd be like, 'It's all good, we're homies. Let's play golf.'"

Watch Clark's comments in full here: 

Mayfield is now set to enter his fourth season as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

The NFL star is happily settled in his personal life. He married Emily Wilkinson in July 2019 after the couple first met two years earlier.

Wilkinson, who previously worked as a patient coordinator before building a successful presence on social media, shares a daughter with Mayfield. 

Clark, meanwhile, is in a relationship with new girlfriend Emily Tanner.

Emily greeted Wyndham with a hug and a kiss on the 18th green.

Clark was also greeted by other members of his team, including his father Randall who made a surprise trip to see his son at Shinnecock Hills. 

Tanner and Clark hard-launched their relationship during Masters week in April, with Tanner caddying for him in the traditional Par-3 Contest at Augusta National.

Based in Los Angeles, Tanner is the founder of Over Social, a marketing agency specialising in branding, content creation and audience growth. 

She has also built a substantial social media audience of her own, with more than 730,000 followers on Instagram.

"The most deserving. You did it!! Love you so much," Emily posted on Instagram with a series of photos following her boyfriend's victory at Shinnecock Hills. 

Clark recently opened up about his relationship with Tanner, revealing that he had admired her long before the pair were introduced.

• Wyndham Clark's girlfriend Emily Tanner has clear message for haters after U.S. Open win

Speaking to Us Weekly, the world number eight explained the couple met through mutual friends after Tanner had become single.

According to Clark, one of his friends began describing Tanner and highlighting her accomplishments before offering to show him a photo.

The golfer's reaction was immediate.

"When I saw it was Emily, I couldn't believe it," Clark said. "I'd had a crush on her for a long time."

The pair arranged their first date in San Diego and quickly hit it off, with Clark saying they have barely spent time apart since.

Tanner has since become one of the most important people in Clark's life and career.

Clark has credited his girlfriend for providing stability away from the pressures of the PGA Tour, joking that she serves as his "at-home caddie" because of the support she provides behind the scenes.

"She's a huge part of my success," said Clark, who has won two of his last four starts. 

"Emily helps me with everything off the golf course and makes life so much easier."

The American added that their relationship allows him to switch off from the demands of competition when he is away from tournaments.

"We have so much fun together," he said. 

"When I'm not playing golf, I'm able to relax and enjoy spending time with her instead of thinking about the game all the time."

Clark also praised Tanner for being a constant source of encouragement throughout his career.

"Emily is my biggest supporter," he said. 

"She's always there for me and always out there cheering me on."

After celebrating his latest U.S. Open victory together at Shinnecock Hills, it is clear Tanner has become a key figure both in Clark's personal life and in his rise back inside the world's top 10. 

As for Clark and Mayfield, what started as an awkward college-age love triangle has evolved into one of the more amusing stories to emerge from a major championship week — and one that Clark can finally laugh about.