Wyndham Clark came into the 2023 U.S. Open with just one victory on the PGA Tour, which came just last month at the Wells Fargo Championship. Many didn’t give him a chance with his lack of experience on the big stage, but a resilient final round on Sunday at Los Angeles Country Club led to his first major victory.
Clark came into the final round with a share of the lead alongside Rickie Fowler, who had been excellent all tournament, even setting the course record on Thursday with an opening round 62.
A number of fierce contenders also sat behind Clark heading into Sunday, including Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler sitting within three strokes of the lead.
Most would assume that Clark, the least experienced of the bunch, would be the one to fall back on Sunday. Instead, he stayed composed and sat atop the leaderboard for much of the day.
However, he did run into a ton of trouble throughout his round, most notably dropping strokes on both holes No. 15 and No. 16 with bogeys.
The lead is one. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/npbT9K47gU
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 19, 2023
That cut his lead to one over McIlroy, who ultimately finished his tournament at -9. Clark had to score at least a par on each of the last two holes to take home the victory, which he managed to do impressively.
Wyndham Clark "Takes down all of the stars in Los Angeles to win the United States Open."pic.twitter.com/otCidZHJgR
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 19, 2023
It’s obviously a monumental moment for Clark and a huge notch in his career resume, and many around the golf world congratulated him on social media.
Two wins in his last four starts 🏆🏆@Wyndham_Clark is a major champion @USOpenGolf! pic.twitter.com/L9C9VfCBx7
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 19, 2023
Stellar.@Wyndham_Clark wins the 2023 U.S. Open – becoming the first Duck to win a Major Tournament. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/zO4DTsA9iE
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) June 19, 2023
CONGRATS TO WYNDHAM CLARK FOR BEATING THE SUPERSTARS IN HOLLYWOOD, WINNING HIS 1ST MAJOR, THE US OPEN AT LOS ANGELES COUNTRY CLUB. CLUTCH CHIP ON 17, CLUTCH LENGTHY APPROACH PUTT ON 18. STOLE THE SHOW.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 19, 2023
The final putt. The family hug. I’m not crying. You’re crying.
What a moment for Wyndham Clark. pic.twitter.com/8KX6W4RLeE— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) June 19, 2023
WYNDHAM CLARK IS THE 2023 U.S. OPEN CHAMPION.
HE HOLDS OFF A PACKED LEADERBOARD TO EARN HIS FIRST CAREER MAJOR VICTORY. pic.twitter.com/maLPx56cmh
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) June 19, 2023
The win is even more impressive when you consider Clark’s less-than-stellar resume at the U.S. Open heading into this event. He had only played the event twice, failing to make the cut in either appearance. With this win, he becomes just the fourth player in the last 100 years to win the U.S. Open during the week of their first made cut.
Wyndham Clark had never made the cut at the U.S. Open (0-for-2 entering this week).
He's the 4th player over the last 100 years to win the U.S. Open the week of his first made cut, joining:
🏌️♂️ 2009 Lucas Glover
🏌️♂️ 1993 Lee Janzen
🏌️♂️ 1969 Orville Moody pic.twitter.com/5RtrAOYpE0— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 19, 2023
On top of the glory and satisfaction that comes with winning the U.S. Open, Clark also netted himself a fantastic payday with the win. Clark receives $3.6 million for the major championship win, which is more than he has received in three years on the PGA Tour.
Wyndham Clark started playing golf when he was three, and he made his first hole-in-one at six.
He just won his first major and $3.6 million — more than he made in the last three years combined. pic.twitter.com/NkDTWNdTMx
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 19, 2023
