If Wyndham Clark plans to return to the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in 2033 — or visit the historic club for any reason before then — he’ll need to satisfy a list of requirements beforehand.
Clark has been suspended from the Oakmont, Pa., club after he damaged lockers in a fit of rage following his second round of the U.S. Open last month. Pat Mayo first reported the suspension on X on Tuesday, and multiple outlets confirmed since. Golf Digest’s Joel Beall obtained a copy of a letter club president John Lynch sent to members this week.
“Several of you have inquired about the situation involving Wyndham Clark and the steps being taken in response to his recent behavior. 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.
“This decision will remain in effect unless formally reconsidered and approved by the Board.”
“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.“
Clark, 31, bogeyed the final hole of the second round of the U.S. Open to miss the cut by one. The damage he caused to historic lockers afterward eventually circulated on social media.
He was asked about the incident after his Thursday round at the next week’s Travelers Championship.
“I’ve had a lot of highs and lows in my career, especially this year some lows,” Clark said. “I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I’m very sorry for what happened.
“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 continued. “I still want to try to make the Ryder Cup team. I still am on the outside looking in for the FedExCup. So I’m starting to move on and focus on those things.”
But Oakmont, like many clubs, is a proud membership; many members were angry and disappointed with what transpired.
“Whoever did it, I don’t know who the f— they think they are,” one longtime member told GOLF.com, adding, “I’d be tempted to show up at his next tournament and heckle him on the tee. You know, something like, ‘Hey, buddy, how about I come to your house and kick in the shower doors?’”
Clark’s apology at the Travelers wasn’t his first of the season. He also put out a statement after he threw a club against a sponsor sign behind a tee box after a wayward drive at the PGA Championship in May, saying, “I promise to better the way I handle my frustrations on the course going forward, and hope you all can forgive me in due time.”
Clark won the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, earning him a 10-year exemption into the national championship. The final year of that exemption, in 2033, will be when the U.S. Open returns to Oakmont.
Clark tees off for his first round of the 2025 Open Championship at 5:20 a.m. ET on Thursday.
