5 things to know about U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark

There’s a good chance you might not have known Wyndham Clark a few weeks ago, even if you did follow golf. A week ago, he was a journeyman pro with only a single PGA Tour victory under his belt.

That all changed when Clark triumphed at Los Angeles Country Club for his first major title.

If you didn’t know much about Clark before, you’re sure to learn a little something about the newest U.S. Open winner. Here are 13 things to know about the 29-year-old.

1. His mother intoduced him to the game

Clark’s mother, Lise, introduced him to the game when he was just 3 years old by taking him to a driving range. After he finished his first bucket of balls, he wanted another. Twenty-six years later, that investment seems to have paid off.

2. He has famous friends

Clark isn’t the only accomplished athlete from his hometown of Highlands Ranch, Colo. He went to high school at Valor Christian High School with NFL all-pro running back Christian McCaffrey, graduating in the class of 2012.

3. He nearly quit golf

When Clark was in college, his mother passed away from breast cancer. The loss made him consider giving up the game. Instead, he transferred from Oklahoma State to the University of Oregon for a change of scenery. While competing for the Ducks, he won the 2017 Pac-12 Championship and was named Player of the Year.

4. He’s making his schools proud

While Clark did not graduate from Oklahoma State, he is the first major winner from the school since Bob Tway in 1986. He’s also the first major winner to play for the University of Oregon.

5. He’s got big-time wins

Two months ago, Clark had never won a professional event. That changed at the Wells Fargo Championship where he bested some of the top players in the game for his first Tour win. A month later, he added to his resume with a win at Los Angeles Country Club.