Clark Holds Off Burns at Shinnecock
Wyndham Clark claimed his second US Open title after surviving a tense final-round battle at Shinnecock on Sunday.
The American golfer held off Sam Burns by one stroke to complete a wire-to-wire victory in difficult, windy conditions.
Clark carded a three-over-par 73 in the final round and finished the tournament at four-under 276.
Burns finished second at 277 after a strong closing round of 67.
Clark described the victory as surreal and said the win carried deep personal meaning.
Back-Nine Fight Seals Major Victory
Clark began the final day with a six-shot lead.
However, early mistakes allowed Burns to close the gap to just one stroke.
Clark made three bogeys on the front nine, while Burns charged with four birdies in his first eight holes.
The pressure increased on the back nine, but Clark held firm with strong putting and short-game control.
His biggest moment came at the par-five 16th hole.
After finding deep rough off the tee, Clark recovered and sank a 24-foot birdie putt.
He then survived a bogey at the 17th before making a two-putt par from 52 feet on the final hole to secure the title.
Redemption and Record Prize for Clark
Clark became only the ninth player to win the US Open wire-to-wire.
He is also the first to achieve the feat since Martin Kaymer in 2014.
The win came on Father’s Day, making the moment even more emotional.
Clark celebrated with his father Randall, who surprised him by flying in for the final round.
The victory earned Clark a record top prize of $4.5 million from a $22.5 million purse.
The title also served as redemption after a difficult year.
Clark said last year’s missed cut at Oakmont and the controversy that followed had stayed with him.
He admitted he regretted his actions but said this victory showed how much can change in one year.
South Korea’s Tom Kim finished third at one-under 279.
World number one Scottie Scheffler tied for fourth with Keith Mitchell and JT Poston at even-par 280.
