Wyndham Clark caused damage to the locker room at Oakmont Country Club with an outburst during the U.S. Open last month, and the PGA Tour golfer is facing some consequences for his actions.
Clark, who won the 2023 U.S. Open, missed the cut at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. Clark shot 8-over par through the first two rounds and ended up one shot off of the cut line.
After Clark failed to make it to the weekend, there were some reports that he caused damage with a tantrum inside the locker room. A photo that made the rounds on social media showed the doors of at least two lockers at Oakmont that were supposedly smashed in by Clark.
According to a letter that was obtained by Golf Digest on Wednesday, Oakmont recently informed its members that Clark has been indefinitely banned from the club. Clark will have to fulfill several conditions in order to be reinstated.
Clark can be reinstated after he covers the cost of the damages, makes a contribution to a charity of the Oakmont board’s choosing and completes counseling.
“Several of you have inquired about the situation involving Wyndham Clark and the steps being taken in response to his recent behavior,” the letter reads. “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 was asked about the situation the following week, and he issued an apology.
Some golfers defended Clark for his actions and said they are more common than you would think. Part of the issue for Clark was that he also threw a club in anger during the PGA Championship in May, so the outburst at Oakmont came across as a pattern of behavior for him.
The 31-year-old Clark has three wins on the PGA Tour. Oakmont is set to host the U.S. Open again in 2033, so Clark will likely take the necessary steps to have his ban lifted.
