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Wyndham Clark Apologizes After Locker Damage, Banned Until 2033

6/16/2026

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Summary

Clark Apologizes

Wyndham Clark apologized on June 15, 2026 for damaging a locker at Oakmont Country Club before the U.S. Open.
Oakmont banned Clark, requiring damages payment, a board-chosen charitable contribution, and counseling for reinstatement.
Clark hopes to play at Oakmont when the U.S. Open returns in 2033, pending the club’s decision.
He enters the 2026 U.S. Open ranked 34th after recent top-20 finishes, including a CJ CUP Byron Nelson win.

Summary

Golfers' Blunders

Jordan Clark threw his club on the 16th hole of the 2025 PGA Championship, endangering spectators.
Phil Mickelson hit a moving ball on the 13th green at the 2018 Shinnecock Hills PGA, took a two-stroke penalty and drew criticism.
Rory McIlroy missed two short putts at Pinehurst No. 2 in the 2024 U.S. Open, lost the lead to Bryson DeChambeau and announced an immediate break to recover emotionally.

Summary

Clark Eyes Shinnecock

Clark says patience and precise green-speed control are essential at Shinnecock to avoid three-putts.
Clark notes his upbringing at Cherry Hills, another William Flynn-designed course, adds excitement for Shinnecock.
Clark believes his recent form and 2023 U.S. Open experience make him a dangerous contender despite not being a leading favorite.
Clark describes his mindset as a mix of regained confidence and unfinished business, using the Oakmont incident as motivation.

History

Historical Context

Oakmont’s reputation for high-pressure majors began with Jack Nicklaus’s 1962 U.S. Open win and Johnny Miller’s record-setting 63 in 1973, the lowest round in a U.S. Open. The USGA returned in 2007, drawing massive crowds and reinforcing the club’s role as a testing ground, a legacy that underlies today’s disciplinary focus on players like Wyndham Clark.

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Clark Apologizes

Wyndham Clark apologized on June 15, 2026 for damaging a locker at Oakmont Country Club before the U.S. Open.
Oakmont banned Clark, requiring damages payment, a board-chosen charitable contribution, and counseling for reinstatement.
Clark hopes to play at Oakmont when the U.S. Open returns in 2033, pending the club’s decision.
He enters the 2026 U.S. Open ranked 34th after recent top-20 finishes, including a CJ CUP Byron Nelson win.

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