Scottie Scheffler makes feelings clear on Wyndham Clark treatment at U.S. Open

Scottie Scheffler praised Wyndham Clark's handling of a hostile Shinnecock Hills crowd after seeing his bid to complete the career Grand Slam come to an end at the 2026 U.S. Open.

The world number one entered the final round six shots behind Clark and needing a remarkable comeback to become just the seventh player in the modern era to complete golf's career Grand Slam, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Scheffler, who celebrated his 30th birthday on Sunday, received strong support from fans throughout the day as they hoped to witness history. 

But his putter went cold once again with a one-over 71, and he finished the week tied fourth at level par, four strokes behind Clark.

While Scheffler's pursuit of history was one of the biggest storylines of the championship, much of the attention during the final round centred on the treatment of Clark by spectators.

The eventual champion was subjected to repeated heckling throughout the afternoon, with fans regularly shouting "get in the bunker" after tee shots and approaches. 

One unruly spectator was reportedly removed after yelling "Don't choke, Wyndham!", while other comments directed at Clark included "Anyone but Wyndham."

The criticism appeared linked to Clark's locker-room incident at Oakmont during the 2025 U.S. Open. 

After missing the cut there last year, Clark damaged a couple of historic lockers in frustration, an incident for which he has repeatedly apologised over the past year and again during his victory speech on Sunday. 

Asked about the atmosphere in the final group after his round, Scheffler acknowledged the crowd's behaviour but praised Clark for maintaining his composure under pressure.

"I mean, the crowd was tough today. I mean, New Yorkers, they are tough people. There was a good turnout from the fans," Scheffler told reporters.

"But at the end of the day, I can't control fan behavior. Being in the arena is not for everybody. You know, there's been a crowd that has been for me in my career; there's been a crowd that has been significantly against me in my career."

Scheffler drew comparisons with his own experience at Royal Portrush during last year's Open Championship, which he went on to win, when local support overwhelmingly favoured home-favourite McIlroy.

"I think Portrush was a scenario for me where Rory is in his hometown. Or not his hometown; he's in Ireland, not far from where he grew up. Crowds can be tough," Scheffler said.

He added: "Being in the arena is not for everybody, and I think it shows a lot about Wyndham, how he handled not only this golf course but, I think, the crowd today as well, and is a well-deserving champion."

Clark ultimately secured the title, despite a closing three-over-par 73. 

The American never relinquished the lead all week and produced a crucial birdie from 30 feet on the par-5 16th to hold off a late charge from compatriot Sam Burns, who finished one shot behind after a brilliant final-round 67.

Clark became the first player since Martin Kaymer at Pinehurst in 2014 to win the U.S. Open wire to wire. 

After lifting the U.S. Open trophy for a second time in his career, Clark admitted he could understand why some fans were rooting against him.

"They definitely didn’t want me to win," Clark said. 

"It’s pretty rare in a U.S. Open or a major to have fans kind of boo against your shots or cheer for bad shots."

But Clark also accepted that some of the negativity stemmed from his own actions at Oakmont.

"Some of it's self-deserved. I kind of brought it on myself," Clark acknowledged. 

"But I also get it, too. Scottie was going for the career grand slam, and it hasn't happened very often."

Clark won his first major title at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023.

Sunday's win propelled him from 34th to eighth in the Official World Golf Ranking, capping off a week in which he not only conquered one of golf's toughest tests, but also overcame one of the most challenging atmospheres of his career.