Wyndham Clark says he is working to make amends after being banned from Oakmont Country Club for damaging property during last month’s US Open.
The 2023 US Open champion was removed from the property following an incident in which he reportedly damaged his locker after missing the cut at the Major.
A letter to club members from Oakmont president John Lynch, obtained by US media, confirmed that Clark “will no longer be permitted on OCC property”.
The 30-year-old American addressed the incident for the first time publicly after a tied-4th finish at The Open Championship on Sunday.
“Obviously I feel terrible with what happened,” said Clark at Royal Portrush. “I’m doing anything I can to try to remedy the situation.
“I want the best for Oakmont, the USGA and myself. Like I said, I’m very sorry for what I did and feel terrible, and hopefully in a few months we’re past this and it’s something of the past.”
Oakmont’s letter stated that Clark’s ban could be lifted if he fulfils “a number of specific conditions,” which include repaying the damages in full, making a meaningful contribution to a board-approved charity, and completing counselling and/or anger management.
The US Open is scheduled to return to Oakmont in 2033. Clark, thanks to his 2023 victory, would still be exempt for that edition of the championship.
“I did something awful, and I’m really sorry for it,” he said. “Hopefully they have it in their heart to forgive me, and maybe in the future I’ll be able to play there.”
Clark has drawn attention for his on-course outbursts before, most notably during the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, when he smashed his driver into a wall behind the tee after an errant swing – and completed his round without it.
“I’m not going to justify what I did in those two things,” he said. “But yes, it is very demanding. It’s an individual sport. Everyone is always watching you and it’s always on you.
“Yeah, sometimes it gets the best of you. All of us have had moments that we’re not proud of, and those two I’m definitely not proud of. So it is difficult.”
Despite the controversy, Clark showed signs of a resurgence at Portrush, following second- and third-round 66s with a closing 65 to post just his second top-10 finish of the season.
Photo: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Article Link: Clark ‘feels terrible’ after Oakmont ban