Introduction to the Incident
Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark won’t be allowed back at Oakmont Country Club until he pays to fix the locker he damaged and gets counseling for his anger.
Details of the Incident
Golf Digest obtained a letter that club president John Lynch sent to Oakmont members this week about the incident during last month’s U.S. Open, when Clark smashed up his locker out of frustration. Media were not allowed in the locker room, but a photo was leaked and went viral.
Club’s Decision
“Following multiple discussions with the USGA and the OCC Board, a decision has been made that Mr. Clark will no longer be permitted on OCC property,” Lynch said in the letter.
“Reinstatement would be contingent upon Mr. Clark fulfilling a number of specific conditions, including full repayment for damages, a meaningful contribution to a charity of the Board’s choosing, and the successful completion of counseling and/or anger management sessions.”
Consequences for Clark
Clark received a 10-year exemption for winning the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023. The exemption ends in 2033, the next time Oakmont is to host the U.S. Open. The storied club has held the U.S. Open nine times, the most of any U.S. Open site.
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Clark’s Response
Clark said a week later at the Travelers Championship that “I made a mistake that I deeply regret” and he was sorry.
“But I’d also like to move on, not only for myself but for Oakmont, for the USGA, and kind of focus on the rest of this year and things that come up,” he said.
Last week at the Scottish Open he told reporters that he had turned the page. According to Oakmont, he has offered to pay for repairs.
“Yeah, I mean, I made a mistake in a moment of rage with a bad year and everything coming together and it just was more than anything a good wake-up call for me to say, ‘Hey, you know what, let’s get back on track and things aren’t that bad,’” Clark said.
Current Standing of Clark
Clark, who reached as high as No. 3 in the world last year, has only one top 10 on the PGA Tour in the 2025 season. He has dropped to No. 28 in the world, No. 22 in the Ryder Cup standings and at No. 78 in the FedEx Cup is in danger of missing the postseason.
Conclusion
The incident at Oakmont Country Club has led to serious consequences for Wyndham Clark, including a ban from the club until he fulfills certain conditions. Clark has expressed regret for his actions and has offered to pay for repairs. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of managing emotions and respecting the property of others, even in the heat of the moment.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Wyndham Clark at Oakmont Country Club?
A: Clark damaged a locker at the club during the U.S. Open out of frustration and has been banned until he pays for repairs and undergoes counseling.
Q: What conditions must Clark fulfill to be reinstated at Oakmont?
A: Clark must repay for damages, make a meaningful contribution to a charity chosen by the Board, and complete counseling and/or anger management sessions.
Q: How has Clark’s career been affected by the incident?
A: Clark has struggled in the 2025 season, with only one top 10 finish on the PGA Tour, and has dropped in the world rankings and Ryder Cup standings.
