U.S. Open: "Deeply ashamed" Wyndham Clark opens up on terrible outburst at Oakmont

Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark says he is looking forward to "redemption". 

The 32-year-old, who won the gold medal at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023, missed the cut at last year's event. 

Shortly before leaving the property, the American golfer took out his frustrations on a century-old locker at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh. 

Photos of the damage caused by Clark circulated on social media and it emerged on the eve of last year's Open at Royal Portrush that he had even been banned from the property - with reinstatement contingent on a number of conditions. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the 125th edition of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, Clark said he is deeply ashamed and embarrassed over what transpired and is hopeful that he can win back any fans he lost. 

"It was it was a terrible thing I did," Clark said. "And you know, [I] very embarrassed and ashamed that I did that and I was kind of in a tough place mentally, you know.

"One of the great things was all the lessons I learned from that and kind of brought me back to who I know I am and wanted to show people who I am and you know, I was really motivated this offseason to do that and I feel like I'm trending in that right direction. 

"Obviously, it was amazing to get a win and some good play and I'm hoping that continues to go and I hope I kind of win back the hearts of the fans that I used to have in and new fans because that wasn't who I was and I screwed up and made a mistake and I'm trying to move forward and hopefully other people will do that with me and we get back to the Wyndham Clark that I know I can be and that's where I wanted to go"

Clark's outburst of anger at Oakmont wasn't the only time the multiple PGA Tour winner hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in 2025.

During the final round of the PGA Championship, Clark hit an errant drive on the 16th hole and, in frustration, hurled his driver backward in the tee area. 

By coincidence, it struck T-Mobile signage (one of Clark's sponsors) and the club narrowly missed a volunteer.

Again, Clark fronted up and apologised. 

Clark's underwhelming form carried over into the early part of the 2025/2026 season, with the American posting his first top 25 finish at the Masters. 

It followed a split with his long-time caddie John Ellis.

But Clark, who recently entered the winner's circle again for the first time since the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a comfortable victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, believes he is in a much better place. 

Ellis was even waiting by the 18th green at TPC Craig Ranch to congratulate Clark. 

"I mean, I'm happy again on the golf course," Clark added. 

"Last year coming into this event. I was just so negative on my game and you know, it's tough when you are a top player and then you know, you're not playing good and you just feel like everything's slipping away from you and and there's some stuff off the course and whatever and there's not no none of those are excuses. 

"But it a lot of that now is so much different. I'm both on and off the golf course just really genuinely happy with where I'm at both in life and the course and it's I feel like it's showing on the golf course and you know, I'm coming into this tournament regardless of what happens in a way better place mentally and I'm excited about that."

The 2026 U.S. Open begins on Thursday. 

Keep checking GolfMagic for regular updates from the third men's major of the year.