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via Getty

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Professional golf prides itself on respect and sportsmanship, but let’s be honest—that polished image doesn’t always hold up behind closed doors. What happened at Oakmont at the hands of Wyndham Clark proves that. At Oakmont in June, he shot consecutive rounds of 74 and missed the weekend by a single stroke. Following his missed cut at the U.S. Open this year, Clark’s frustration reached a boiling point. The results of which weren’t pleasant.

He subsequently kicked in two century-old lockers in the historic locker room, leaving the wooden panels completely caved in from his tantrum. Photos of the damage quickly spread across social media, sparking immediate outrage from golf fans worldwide. The damaged lockers were part of Oakmont’s storied history, with wooden benches bearing spike marks from legends like Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. Clark realized this and even issued an apology, saying, “I promise to better the way I handle my frustrations on the course going forward, and hope you all can forgive me in due time.”An apology that didn’t matter, as he now faces the consequences of his actions.

According to early reports from Pat Mayo, the 2023 U.S. Open champion has been banned from the historic venue following his locker room outburst. Mayo reported that Clark remains banned from the Oakmont property until he meets specific conditions.

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Per ESPN, in a letter sent to members this week, John Lynch, Oakmont Country Club president, confirmed Clark’s ban after multiple discussions with the USGA and the club’s board. “Following multiple discussions with the USGA and the OCC Board, a decision has been made that Mr. Clark will no longer be permitted on OCC property,” Lynch wrote. “This decision will remain in effect unless formally reconsidered and approved by the Board.”

These conditions include paying for the damages, making charitable donations, and completing counseling sessions. However, Clark hasn’t even offered to pay for the repairs yet. The timing proves particularly awkward since Oakmont won’t host another U.S. Open until 2033. This means Clark could potentially miss that if he doesn’t meet the conditions. The severity reflects just how seriously Oakmont takes the protection of its historic facilities.

Top Comment by Golf guy

Bob Scott

These guys should respect every golf course facilities, they are playing premier courses and the long standing history behind some of...more

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This incident represents Clark’s second destructive outburst in major championships this year. At the PGA Championship, he threw his driver after a bad tee shot, damaging a T-Mobile sponsor sign and breaking his club head. That earlier incident showed a troubling pattern of behavior that escalated at Oakmont.

Golf analyst Brandel Chamblee described the damage as “reprehensible” and called for Clark’s suspension. Meanwhile, fellow PGA Tour pro Michael Kim took a subtle jab during a fan Q&A session, saying Oakmont was not the “nicest locker room on tour anymore.”

The golf community has shown little sympathy for Clark’s situation. Social media erupted with criticism when news of the ban emerged. Most fans believe he fully deserves the consequences of his actions.

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Wyndham Clark Faces Golf Fans’ Fury

“So he hasn’t even offered to pay for it at a minimum?” questioned one frustrated fan. “There may not be a more entitled douchebag brat than that guy.” The sentiment captures the widespread anger directed at Clark’s apparent lack of accountability. Another fan sarcastically noted that Clark was “overheard as thanking the USGA for a 9 year exemption.” The dark humor reflects how fans view his ban as self-inflicted punishment rather than an unfortunate circumstance.

Even golf tracking accounts joined the criticism, with one bluntly stating: “Damn, he deserves it if he hasn’t even paid.” The comment highlights the growing consensus that Clark’s punishment is fitting for his behavior. Meanwhile, one observer questioned whether this means “Wyndham still hasn’t paid for the damages?” The ongoing speculation about Clark’s failure to take responsibility has only intensified fan frustration. Another commenter added that Clark “needs to take a pill” regarding his anger management issues.

The backlash intensified when Clark attempted to apologize and suggested everyone should simply move past the incident. One particularly incensed fan captured this sentiment perfectly: “Just an OUTRAGEOUS response from Wyndham here. When you think the guy can’t be any more unlikable, he doubles down.”

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Nevertheless, some fans pointed to Adam Hadwin’s recent incident as a positive example of damage control when he set off the water sprinkler and paid for its repair at the 2025 Valspar Championship. He even bought lunch for the maintenance crew. “Maybe he should call Hadwin to learn some etiquette on damage control,” suggested one commenter. “I believe Adam bought the grounds crew some food and paid for sprinklers, and all was quickly forgiven.”

The golf world’s harsh judgment sends a clear message about professional behavior standards. Clark’s reputation continues to suffer while fans demand better conduct from tour players. Whether he can rehabilitate his image remains to be seen, but the road back to respect will be a long and difficult one.

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"Is Wyndham Clark's ban from Oakmont justified, or is it an overreaction by the club?"

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