Wyndham Clark, the U.S. Open champion, faces restrictions from Oakmont Country Club following an incident during last month’s championship where he caused damage to his locker in a moment of frustration. According to a letter from club president John Lynch, Clark will not be allowed to return to the club until he fulfills several conditions, which include repairing the locker, making a charitable donation as determined by the club’s board, and completing anger management counseling.
This decision stems from discussions between the Oakmont board and the USGA regarding Clark’s behavior, which has attracted media attention after a photo of the damaged locker circulated online. Miller’s letter outlined that Clark’s reinstatement would depend on his compliance with these stipulated conditions.
Reflecting on the incident, Clark expressed regret during the Travelers Championship, acknowledging, “I made a mistake that I deeply regret,” and emphasized his desire to move forward positively. Recently, he mentioned at the Scottish Open that he has offered to cover the repair costs and is looking to refocus on his golf career, despite a challenging season.
The golfer, who previously reached as high as No. 3 in world rankings, has struggled in 2025, dropping to No. 28, with only one top-10 finish on the PGA Tour this season. His performance has also placed him at risk of not qualifying for the FedEx Cup playoffs.
While the situation reflects difficult moments in Clark’s career, his willingness to take accountability and seek improvement could symbolize a turning point for him. This incident serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes face and the importance of managing emotions healthily in competitive environments.