Police remove US Open spectators chanting ‘don’t choke’ at Wyndham Clark

Windham Clark Faces Mixed Reactions at U.S. Open

Windham Clark arrived in Long Island hoping to move past a controversial incident from the previous year’s U.S. Open at Oakmont. However, it seems that some fans weren’t ready to let it go, as they actively cheered for him during the final round on Sunday.

Entering the day with a six-day lead in the U.S. Open, Clark had a rough start, which ultimately allowed his supporters to close the gap on him. As the tournament continued, the crowd’s noise became problematic, leading to some fans being removed from the Shinnecock Hills course by police, according to reports.

In one notable incident, fans shouted “Don’t strangle Windham!” as he prepared to take a shot. A young man, apparently dressed with U.S. Open credentials, was escorted out after yelling “chalk line” before Clark’s tee shot on the fourth hole, as noted by a golf analyst. Additionally, Clark heard shouts of “inside the bunker” while playing the seventh hole.

When Clark teed off that day, the crowd’s reaction was tepid compared to the enthusiastic ovation that Scottie Scheffler received, according to SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio’s coverage. Cheers erupted on the NBC broadcast when Clark’s ball bounced off the second hole, and several fans expressed their support as he approached the green.

Clark’s reputation has been colored by a past incident where he damaged a locker at a historic golf course during the previous U.S. Open, coupled with his public apology that followed. He described the thinning crowd on Saturday as “disappointing,” and noted that it felt like the energy had diminished significantly during crucial moments on the 14th, 15th, and 16th holes.

After suffering two bogeys in his first five holes, Clark’s six-stroke lead diminished to just one over Sam Burns, who was making a strong push. “I love energy… but it was disappointing to come out a little flat,” he said. He expressed the difficulty of maintaining focus as the crowd gradually left, making it feel like the tournament was nearing its end even though he needed to concentrate. “Hopefully tomorrow, there will be people there and a great atmosphere,” he added, reflecting on his wish for a more vibrant crowd.