CLARK CAPTURES SECOND US OPEN AT SHINNECOCK HILLS
Wyndham Clark wins his second US Open title after a hard fought battle at Shinnecock Hills (Photo: USGA)
Wyndham Clark survived a tense final-day examination at Shinnecock Hills to claim the 126th US Open and secure his second Major championship in four years.
The American entered the final round with a commanding six-stroke lead but was forced to withstand a strong challenge from fellow American Sam Burns before eventually prevailing by a single stroke on four-under-par. Clark closed with a three-over-par 73 as the famed Long Island layout once again demonstrated why it remains one of golf’s sternest tests.
Having led from the opening round, Clark became just the ninth player in US Open history to complete a wire-to-wire victory. It was a triumph built on resilience as nerves, difficult conditions and relentless pressure threatened to derail his efforts.
Burns carded the low round of the day, a final round 67, to close the gap on the back nine. Tom Kim also impressed to finish third after another composed display. World number one Scottie Scheffler, seeking to complete the career Grand Slam, never found the momentum required on Sunday and had to settle for a share of fourth place.
Clark’s defining moment came at the par-four 16th. With Burns piling on the pressure, the 32-year-old rolled in a crucial birdie putt that restored breathing space and ultimately proved decisive. He safely negotiated the closing holes before celebrating an emotional victory on Father’s Day with family members at the course.
“It wasn’t pretty, but I got it done,” Clark said afterwards. “I had to rely on my short game and just keep fighting. To win another US Open means everything to me.”
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Clark added: “Having my dad here on Father’s Day makes it incredibly special. This is something I’ll remember forever.”
The victory completed a remarkable week for Clark, who set the pace from the outset with an opening-round 64 before establishing a record 36-hole total at Shinnecock Hills. Although his lead was repeatedly threatened over the weekend, he never surrendered control and demonstrated the mental toughness required to win on one of golf’s biggest stages.
It was a disappointing championship for the Irish contingent. Rory McIlroy was the only home player to make the weekend, eventually finishing tied for 32nd place at six-over-par after rounds of 69, 71, 73 and 73. Shane Lowry narrowly missed the cut after successive rounds of 73 left him two shots outside the qualifying mark, while former champion Graeme McDowell also exited on Friday after rounds of 76 and 76. Padraig Harrington missed the weekend as well following rounds of 77 and 74.
McIlroy briefly looked like he might mount a challenge after an encouraging opening round, but costly mistakes over the next three days ended his hopes of adding a second US Open crown. Lowry, meanwhile, expressed frustration after failing to reach the weekend despite arriving at Shinnecock with high expectations.
However, the week belonged to Clark. Amid the swirling winds, punishing rough and unforgiving greens of Shinnecock Hills, he produced enough quality golf to withstand every challenge and etch his name on the US Open trophy for a second time.