Oakmont, PA – July 16, 2025 — In a rare and stern rebuke, Oakmont Country Club has suspended 2023 U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark following a destructive outburst that damaged several historic lockers in the club’s locker room during last month’s U.S. Open.Front Office Sports+1The Times of India+1
The Incident
Clark, who narrowly missed the 2025 U.S. Open cut by one stroke and carded a +8 score over two rounds, reportedly “lashed out” in frustration behind closed locker-room doors. Photographs circulating online vividly captured broken locker panels and damaged wooden fixtures.CBSSports.com+15The Sun+15New York Post+15
Club Response
Club president John Lynch, in a letter to Oakmont members, confirmed that the decision was made in close consultation with the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Oakmont board. Clark has been barred from the course and all club facilities “until further notice.”
Conditions for Reinstatement
Oakmont’s board laid out specific conditions Clark must fulfill to regain access:
- Pay for all repairs related to the locker-room damage.
- Make a “meaningful contribution” to a charity selected by the club board.
- Complete counseling or anger-management therapy.
Clark’s Response & Pattern of Behavior
Although Clark issued an apology, stating he “deeply regrets” the incident and acknowledged a need to “get back on track,” Oakmont deemed the apology insufficient.
This episode is not isolated. In May, at the PGA Championship, Clark was seen flinging his driver in frustration—resulting in damage to a sponsor sign.
Context and Consequences
- Former Champion: Clark captured his first major at the 2023 U.S. Open and is currently ranked 28th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
- Club Prestige: Oakmont is among America’s most storied golf venues and is scheduled to host the U.S. Open again in 2033.
- Professional Implications: The indefinite suspension casts a shadow over Clark’s professional reputation and may impact his legacy, as Oakmont emphasized the necessity of decorum on its premises.
Moving Forward
Clark is actively competing in this week’s Open Championship in Royal Portrush, with eyes now also on restoring his image. Whether he complies with Oakmont’s terms—and is readmitted—remains to be seen. His next major opportunity at Oakmont would be nearly a decade away, making the resolution of this matter especially significant for both Clark and the iconic club.
In short, what began as a moment of frustration has escalated into a full-scale disciplinary measure, underscoring the high expectations for conduct at elite golf venues—and the personal accountability even top players must uphold.
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