Wyndham Clark Defends New York After Heckling Marred Second U.S. Open Victory

Wyndham Clark won his second U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills on Sunday, 2026, finishing four under par and beating Sam Burns by one stroke. He entered the final round with a six-stroke lead, became the ninth wire-to-wire champion, and set a new 54-hole record of 7-under 203.

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The tournament followed a pattern of spectator misconduct in New York. The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black drew complaints from European players, including Rory McIlroy, about abuse. Earlier that year, Clark was banned from Oakmont after damaging historic lockers, a sanction that required a charitable donation and anger-management counseling.

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• Final score: 4-under (–4), winning by one stroke over Sam Burns (–3).

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• Only three players broke par; Clark hit 20 of 36 greens, scrambled 66 % (third in field).

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• At least one fan was ejected for shouting “Don’t choke Wyndham!”; other reports cite several ejections for comments such as “Get in the bunker!”

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Tournament officials removed disruptive spectators after shouting comments. Golf Channel analyst Eamon Lynch argued that repeated fan misconduct should prompt a review of future New York majors, including the upcoming PGA Championship. Clark, on The Rich Eisen Show, called New York “one of our best cities in the world” and urged fans to “root for people or rooting for success rather than against people.” In an NBC interview after lifting the trophy, he said, “New York didn’t really like me. I love you guys.”

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Lynch’s remarks reflect broader concerns that New York crowds can become overly aggressive, harming the reputation of major events. The 2025 Ryder Cup complaints and the ejection of fans at the U.S. Open illustrate the tension between passionate support and unsportsmanlike conduct.

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• “I disagree. I think New York’s one of our best cities in the world, especially in the US. And I think the fans are passionate. They love their city, they love our country,” — Wyndham Clark, on The Rich Eisen Show

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• “Man, they definitely didn't want me to win,” — Wyndham Clark, post-victory remarks

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• “New Yorkers, they are tough people.” — Scottie Scheffler, after the final round

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• “New York didn’t really like me. I love you guys,” — Wyndham Clark, NBC interview

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The PGA Championship at Bethpage Black is scheduled later this year, renewing debate about New York’s suitability as a major-tournament venue. Clark hopes future crowds will “cheer for players rather than cheer against them,” signaling a cultural shift among New York fans.

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Sources differ on the number of ejected fans—one report cites a single removal, another mentions “several” ejections. No official statement from the U.S. Open organizing committee clarifies the response to fan behavior, leaving the future of New York majors uncertain.

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