Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open just last year. Now, he’s barred from one of the most storied golf clubs in America.
Oakmont Country Club, the historic Pennsylvania course just outside Pittsburgh, has officially banned the 2023 U.S. Open champion from its property after he damaged his locker in frustration last month. The incident followed Clark’s missed cut at the 2024 U.S. Open—a bogey on the 18th hole of his second round leaving him out of contention by a single stroke. Oakmont president John Lynch confirmed the disciplinary action in a letter sent to members this week, which has since been verified by ESPN.
A Fractured Moment That Turned Into a Fallout
Clark’s emotions got the better of him at a course with a zero-tolerance reputation.
The locker room blowup took place after his early exit from the tournament, hosted at Pinehurst No. 2, but it was at Oakmont—where he had a locker due to his status as a past champion—that the damage occurred. The specific nature of the damage hasn’t been disclosed, but the reaction from the club was swift and serious.
“Mr. Clark will no longer be permitted on OCC property,” wrote Lynch. That decision, Lynch emphasized, followed “multiple discussions” with both the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Oakmont Board of Directors. It was not made lightly.
Oakmont, which will host the U.S. Open again in 2033, now finds itself making headlines nearly a decade in advance of its next big event.
Path to Redemption, But It Comes With Conditions
The club hasn’t locked the door completely—it left a narrow one slightly ajar.
According to the letter sent to Oakmont members, Clark can have his ban lifted if he fulfills three very specific requirements:
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Reimburse the club for the damages caused
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Make a meaningful contribution to a charity approved by the Oakmont board
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Complete counseling and/or anger management therapy
Until then, he won’t be welcome back. And Oakmont doesn’t issue warnings or half-measures. Its reputation for tradition and tight standards is well-known across golf circles, and this latest move only reinforces that.
Clark’s Season Has Been Anything But Steady
The Oakmont incident wasn’t Clark’s first outburst this year.
Back in May during the PGA Championship, the 30-year-old golfer threw his driver in frustration, hitting and damaging a sponsor sign near the tee box. He later apologized in a public statement, acknowledging that “my actions were uncalled for and completely inappropriate.”
By the time the U.S. Open rolled around, Clark was under pressure to perform. But after a string of middling finishes and mounting tension, he unraveled again.
The aftermath wasn’t pretty. And now, the consequences have extended beyond tournament leaderboards into the quiet, exclusive world of club politics.
A Public Apology, But Private Repercussions Continue
Clark did own up to his actions, at least publicly.
Speaking at the Travelers Championship shortly after the Oakmont locker incident, he expressed regret. “I made a mistake that I deeply regret,” he told media. “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 the year.”
The timing of his comments suggests an effort to show contrition quickly, especially with the next major just around the corner. But apologies don’t always fix everything.
Oakmont’s decision shows that behavior—even from a U.S. Open winner—has consequences. Especially when it’s loud, damaging, and happens in their house.
Slipping Rankings, Fraying Composure
Clark’s frustrations aren’t just emotional—they’re competitive.
After winning the 2023 U.S. Open, expectations were sky-high. But entering this week’s Open Championship in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Clark has slipped to No. 28 in the Official World Golf Ranking. His 2025 season? Just one top-10 finish in 19 starts. That’s not what sponsors—or fans—expected.
His drop-off in form, paired with these high-profile moments of poor behavior, has triggered concern. And golf, a sport built on restraint and etiquette, doesn’t always handle volatility with open arms.
