Oakmont Country Club has banned 2023 U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark after the 31-year-old golfer caused damage to club property during a fit of frustration earlier this year. The ban stems from an incident during the U.S. Open in which Clark reportedly damaged several lockers at the prestigious Pittsburgh-area venue.
According to Golf Digest, Oakmont has demanded that Clark undergo anger management counseling and meet several additional conditions if he hopes to regain access to the club. This response, described by some as both “sensational” and “unprecedented” for a player of Clark’s stature, underscores the seriousness with which Oakmont views the incident.
Prior Outbursts Raise Concern
The locker room incident wasn’t an isolated display of poor sportsmanship. In May, during the U.S. PGA Championship, Clark was seen throwing his driver at a sign in another moment of anger — further raising concerns about his conduct. These repeated emotional outbursts have drawn attention to the former Ryder Cup team member’s behavior both on and off the course.
Photographs of the damaged lockers began circulating shortly after the U.S. Open, leading Oakmont to take swift disciplinary action. In a letter to club members, Oakmont’s president John Lynch confirmed the decision:
“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. Reinstatement would be contingent upon Mr. Clark fulfilling a number of specific conditions, including full repayment for damages, a meaningful contribution to a charity of the board’s choosing, and the successful completion of counselling and/or anger management sessions.”
Clark Issues Statement of Regret
Clark, who is currently competing at Royal Portrush, publicly acknowledged the incident and expressed remorse:
“I’ve had a lot of highs and lows in my career, especially this year — some lows. I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I’m very sorry for what happened. But I’d also like to move on, not only for myself but for Oakmont, for the USGA, and kind of focus on the rest of this year and things that come up.”
Despite the apology, Oakmont appears resolute in its decision to bar Clark until all outlined requirements are met.
A Career at a Crossroads
Clark’s victory at the 2023 U.S. Open, where he edged out Rory McIlroy at the Los Angeles Country Club, was the crowning achievement of his career. However, 2024 has seen less success on the course — his best major finish so far being a tie for 46th at The Masters.
With the U.S. Open set to return to Oakmont in 2033, it remains unclear whether Clark will be welcome back by then. For now, he turns his attention to the Open Championship, where he’s scheduled to tee off at 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, alongside Corey Conners and Tom Hoge.
