Clark banned by U.S. Open venue and told to take | Golf News

Wyndham Clark has been handed an indefinite suspension from Oakmont Country Club following his locker room outburst during final month’s U.S. Open.

The 2023 U.S. Open champion confronted widespread criticism after shedding his mood in Pittsburgh, where he completed eight-over-par and failed to make the cut. Viral photos confirmed two broken locker doorways, with fingers pointing at Clark for the destruction.

The 31-year-old golfer admitted to the incident the next week at the Travelers Championship, expressing remorse over his habits. He was prompted to mirror on the episode during the latest Scottish Open.

“Yeah, I mean, I made a mistake in a moment of rage with, you know, 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 admitted to the press.

“I live a great life and I’m not that far off from playing good golf, so I feel like I’ve turned a page and we’re now maybe on the right track of playing some good golf.”

However, as Clark ready for this week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush, he acquired information of his ban from Oakmont, which is set to host the U.S. Open again in 2033.

Golf Digest obtained a letter from Oakmont president John Lynch to members, confirming the ban on world No. 28 Wyndham Clark and outlining circumstances for his potential reinstatement, which incorporates a charity donation and finishing counseling or anger management periods.

Lynch’s letter states: “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. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

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Clark’s lapse in judgment at Oakmont wasn’t his first emotional outburst this season; he beforehand made headlines for throwing his driver in disgust and damaging a signal at May’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, inflicting a close by marshal to flinch.

“I would like to sincerely apologize for my behavior yesterday on hole 16,” Clark expressed in a subsequent social media assertion. “As professionals, we are expected to remain professional even when frustrated and I unfortunately let my emotions get the best of me.

“My actions have been uncalled for and fully inappropriate, making it clear that I’ve issues I need to work on. I maintain myself to a high normal, attempting to at all times play for one thing larger than myself, and yesterday I fell short of those requirements. For that I’m really sorry. I promise to higher the best way I deal with my frustrations on the course going ahead, and hope you all can forgive me in due time.”

Clark has had a difficult season, with only one top-10 end in 19 occasions. He’s hoping for improved luck when he tees off at Royal Portrush alongside Tom Hoge and Corey Conners at 10:20 a.m. native time (5:20 a.m. ET) on Thursday.