US Open champion banned from US Open golf course

Wyndham Clark, US Open winner in 2023, will not be allowed to enter the venue of the last US Open. The American had taken his frustration out on a locker in the locker room during the Major tournament's guest appearance at Oakmont Country in June and severely damaged it after missing the cut.

John Lynch, president of the Oakmont Country Club, wrote to the members of the club in the suburb of Pittsburgh informing them that Clark would no longer be granted access and attaching conditions to the lifting of the ban. The letter was made available to various American media outlets, which also published it.

Wyndham Clark receives house ban

In it, Lynch writes: "Several of you have inquired about the situation with Wyndham Clark and the steps that have been taken in response to his recent behavior. After several conversations with the USGA and the OCC Board of Directors, the decision was made that Mr. Clark will no longer be tolerated on OCC property.

"This decision will remain in effect until it is formally reconsidered and approved by the Board. Readmission would be contingent upon Mr. Clark meeting a number of specific conditions, including full restitution for damages, a significant contribution to a charity of the board's choosing, and successful completion of counseling and/or anger management therapy.

Not the first transgression in recent memory

Clark had apologized a week after the incident. "I've had a lot of ups and downs in my career, especially some downs this year," Clark admitted at the time. "I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I'm very sorry for what happened. But I also want to move on, not just for myself, but for Oakmont, for the USGA, and focus on the rest of the year and the things that come up."

The incident at the US Open was not the first. Clark had already attracted negative attention at the PGA Championship in May. At Quail Hollow, he threw a club and damaged a sponsor's stand. There is no question that Clark should address his obvious problem. If he doesn't want to do it for himself, the US Open 2033 could be an incentive. The tournament will then take place at Oakmont Country Club again.