US Open champion eager for ‘redemption’ after smashing up clubhouse

Wyndham Clark is in his redemption era as he looks to return to major glory this week.

Clark beat Rory McIlroy to US Open glory at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023, securing a one shot victory and his first major title.

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It was the biggest moment of his career to date but the 32-year-old has struggled to build on that success, instead hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent years.

Last summer, he ‘scared a course marshal to death’ after launching his driver at an advertising board at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

He followed that up by smashing up a locker at Oakmont at the US Open last June.

Clark was widely criticised for both incidents and his hot-headedness has seen his results take a hit too.

Since his victory in LA, Clark only has one top ten at a major and has missed five cuts.

But the American has been in much better form of late and won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson last month.

He was among talkSPORT.com’s picks for US Open glory again this week and has started brilliantly at Shinnecock Hills, holding a four shot lead at six-under after the opening day.

Clark has been eager to put a rough few years behind him and show his best on the course again.

On that episode at Oakmont, he said: “Yeah, that was a really challenging time and something I’ve deeply regretted and feel awful that I did that.

“But there were so many good lessons in that that really taught me a bunch.

“I’ve really come a long way, and I’m excited for this year’s Open for some redemption and to move forward and enjoy the challenges of Shinnecock and how great this place is and how amazing this championship is.”

Due to fog delaying the start of Day 1 at Shinnecock, bad light stopped Clark’s round early and he has two holes to finish on Friday before a quick turnaround for his second round.

Should he par those, he’ll hold a four-shot lead over the field with a host of players grouped on two-under behind him.

Clark hit five birdies and an eagle on Thursday with only one dropped shot at the notoriously difficult course on Long Island.

“Birdieing the first two was really nice,” Clark said.

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“Then I had a little bit of a lull, but made some great par saves. It was great birdieing 18. 

“Then a little mishap, missed a shorty on one and then a bogey on two, but then got into a nice rhythm. Everything was clicking.”

Clark, playing alongside fellow US Open champions in Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland for the first two days, is schedule to begin his second around at 12:56pm UK time.

That will likely be pushed back given the delay to play yesterday with some players still having most of their back nines to finish.

talkSPORT will have regular updates from the 2026 US Open from Shinnecock Hills throughout the week.