Professional golfer Wyndham Clark recently discussed the negative fan treatment he has experienced, stating he prefers to be cheered. Clark, who secured a dominant victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May and won his second U.S. Open title, acknowledged that the hostility from some spectators at Shinnecock Hills during the U.S. Open was difficult. He also outlasted Rory McIlroy last week to win the BMW Championship.
Clark’s challenging relationship with fans has been linked to several high-profile incidents, including his behavior at the 2025 U.S. Open where he damaged a locker after missing the cut. This incident led to a ban from Oakmont, with the USGA and club board requiring him to compensate the club, make a charitable contribution, and undertake counseling or anger-management work. Clark has repeatedly apologized for the incident, calling it the lowest point of his career and expressing a desire to win back or earn new fans.
His temper had also drawn attention before the Oakmont incident, notably at the 2025 PGA Championship where he was criticized for throwing his driver after a poor tee shot. Rules controversies have also contributed to public perception. Despite these challenges, Clark remains focused on the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake, where he is one of 30 golfers competing for a $10 million top prize. A victory at the Tour Championship would also strengthen his bid for player of the year, though world number one Scottie Scheffler is currently expected to receive the award for the fifth consecutive year.
