Full Breakdown
Wyndham Clark Holds Off Sam Burns to Win Second U.S. Open
6/22/2026, 12:23:51 PM
Final Round Showdown
On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the U.S. Open concluded at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. Wyndham Clark entered the final round with a six-shot lead and finished at four-under 276. Sam Burns, seven strokes behind, posted a three-under 67 to finish one stroke back.
Background & Key Players
Burns led the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont before a 78-stroke collapse; Clark, the 2023 champion, sought redemption after a 2025 locker-room incident that sparked fan hostility. Clark’s partner, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, drew vocal support, and fathers Randall Clark and Tom Burns appeared on the 18th green.
Final-Round Timeline
Burns birdied three of his first eight holes, cutting Clark’s lead to one. A three-putt bogey on 15 widened the gap, but Burns birdied 16 to tie. Missed birdies on 17 and a 17-foot putt that slid half an inch right on 18 left Burns kneeling as Clark two-putted for par to win.
Data & Statistics
- Clark: 4-under 276, round 73 (+3).
- Burns: 3-under, round 67 (-3).
- Burns birdied three front-nine holes and 16.
- Prize: Clark $4.5 M; Burns $2.43 M.
Why It Matters
Burns’ near-comeback proves he can contend after Oakmont, while Clark’s win makes him the first wire-to-wire U.S. Open champion since 2014 and restores his reputation. The one-stroke margin highlights the event’s pressure.
Official Statements & Responses
Clark called the win “almost surreal” and said his “ugly golf” was saved by short-game skill. Burns said he “did everything I could” and felt proud. Randall Clark expressed pride; Tom Burns echoed his son’s sentiment. Scheffler noted the difficulty of winning majors and praised Clark’s composure under a hostile crowd.
Criticism & Opposition
Spectators heckled Clark, chanting “Don’t choke, Wyndham,” while cheering Scheffler’s birthday. Two fans were ejected for abusive remarks, and media cited Clark’s prior locker-room outburst as lingering criticism.
On-the-Ground Reports
The gallery groaned when Burns missed the 18-foot putt and fell to his knees. Fans sang “Happy Birthday” for Scheffler and booed Clark’s missed shots, creating a charged atmosphere.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Burns’ missed 18-hole putt (10 ft, 17 ft, 17½ ft) and on whether Clark’s lead was six or six-shot overnight. No USGA clarification was issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To have the chance on 18, I really thought I made that putt,” — Sam Burns, Player
- “Clark said, “I played some ugly golf the last two days but my putter and short game kept me in it.” — Wyndham Clark, Champion
- “I'm so proud of you,” — Randall Clark, Father
- “The first one was amazing, and this one seems even better,” — Wyndham Clark, Post-victory
What’s Next
Clark will play the Travelers Championship (TPC River Highlands) and the DS Automobiles Open d’Italia; Burns heads to the DP World Tour’s Torino event to build on his U.S. Open form.
