Windham Clark talks about how he dealt with heckling from the US Open crowd
“They definitely didn’t want me to win,” Windham Clark said of how much heck he heard from fans during the final round of the U.S. Open.
Editor’s Note: Check out the biggest updates and highlights from the final round of the 2026 U.S. Open.
Windham Clark heard that voice over four days at the 2026 U.S. Open at Sinek Hills.
Fans cheered and jeered at his mistakes. Some have been removed from the site. On Sunday’s fourth hole, a young fan yelled not to choke and was ejected by security.
Clark played one of the biggest rounds of his life as a player publicly competed against by the New York gallery. The hostility was great, and the cheers for the players who challenged him were even louder.
With his second victory at the US Open, the harsh comments may have eased a little. There were cheers as he headed for victory.
However, it was clear that he was not liked, at least by golf fans.
“New York didn’t really like me,” Clark said at the trophy ceremony. “I love you guys.
“But I understand that. Sometimes it’s my own fault. I did some unfortunate things last year, and I really regret them. I’ve said I’m sorry many times, but I still regret them. So I hope I can convince everyone in the end.”
Clark said he understands why people root for Scottie Scheffler. The reason behind his treatment was no mystery.
Wyndham Clark Locker at Oakmont
The most obvious incident occurred at this same championship a year ago. At the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont in Plum, Pennsylvania, Clark missed the cut by one stroke and vented his anger in the locker room. The club suspended him. To come back, he had to pay damages, donate to charity, and completely control his anger. He publicly apologized and has continued to do so ever since.
This isn’t the first time Windham Clark has had a tantrum.
A month before Oakmont, at the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Clark threw away his driver after a poor tee shot on the 16th hole. The club hit a sponsor’s sign, knocking it down just a few feet from the flag official. He also apologized for that. Fans did not witness the one-time slip. They threw a tantrum.
Windham Clark Lightning Rod on the PGA Tour
Clark has become one of the most difficult players to root for in the game. Golf Digest wrote that week that no high-performing player on the PGA Tour has had such a bad experience. Mr. Clark doesn’t seem to mind. At last week’s RBC Canadian Open in Toronto, he wore a USA team hockey sweater during his round to keep in mind the fact that his country had defeated Canada in their own game. A heckler yelled at him, “Canada hates you.”
Sunday’s US Open pile-on
The crowd was looking for Scottie Scheffler, who was chasing a career grand slam on his 30th birthday. Fans sang Scheffler’s “Happy Birthday” on the first tee. There were a few shout-outs in Clark’s own name, but not much else that could be considered positive or supportive.
The “don’t choke” comment wasn’t the only thing that revealed Clark as a villain. The crowd cheered when his approach shot missed the green on the 12th hole. One man yelled, “Scotty!”
