To say that Wyndham Clark wasn’t the most popular golfer at the U.S. Open might be an understatement.
The eventual champion of this past week’s major tournament was hounded by hecklers throughout his final round at Shinnecock Hills, and when he clinched his second career U.S. Open title, the crowd was noticeably subdued.
Clark has been known for his combative and competitive personality, which has rubbed many fans the wrong way.
Why do golf fans dislike Wyndham Clark?
During last month’s RBC Canadian Open, Clark wore a Team USA hockey jersey – which didn’t go over well with the crowd in Toronto.
“I put it on in the tunnel, walked out, got a bunch of grief, which I knew I was going to do. Then fortunately, I followed it up with a birdie. That was awesome,” Clark recalled of his time in Canada at the U.S. Open, adding that fans might’ve “crossed the line,” as the heckling continued through the weekend.
“I loved the banter. It maybe crossed the line on 18. You know, they were yelling in my backswing,” he said. “I felt more bummed for Bud (Cauley) because Bud was trying to win a tournament, and it seemed like the banter almost took away from his limelight.”
There also was an incident at last year’s U.S. Open when, after missing the cut, Clark took his frustrations out on the locker room, getting him banned from the club at Oakmont.
He later apologized and then paid for the damages and a fine.
Why did Paige Spiranac defend Wyndham Clark?
But despite all the anger directed towards Clark, popular golf influencer Paige Spiranac said she doesn’t get the reason behind it.
“The hate for Wyndham Clark doesn’t make sense to me,” she posted on X. “People complain constantly that golfers are boring and show no emotion. But then you have someone who has a fiery, competitive spirit and that’s also a problem.
“I understand the need for a villain in sports but beating people down for every little mistake especially after they took accountability is just tiresome. I just feel that it’s been taken too far at this point.”
When one fan replied that Clark’s poor behaviour is more than just a “fiery, competitive spirit,” Spiranac revealed that she has known the golfer for decades and hasn’t personally seen that from him.
“I’ve known him since he was 12. I’ve never seen that side of him in person,” she replied. ”It’s just crazy people can make such a snap judgment about someone without ever meeting them.”
For what it’s worth, Clark has since apologized for his actions and hopes to one day get on the good side of golf fans.
“I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret, and I’ve said sorry multiple times, and I’m still sorry. So, hopefully, I can win you guys over eventually,” Clark said.
Why did Wyndham Clark hate Baker Mayfield?
After his big win, Clark finally broke his silence on a hot topic that dogged him for a decade: Why is there beef between the golfer and star NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield?
In a tweet sent on Dec. 3, 2016, Clark proclaimed “I hate Baker Mayfield,” and had never elaborated on it until this past week.
During an appearance on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, Clark was asked about the seemingly odd post and what was behind it.
“I’m trying to decide if I should tell the story. Alright screw it. I don’t care, people already hate me,” Clark said, adding that he wasn’t “prepped” for this question before diving in.
“My girlfriend at the time cheated on me with Baker Mayfield. But here’s what I will say: I am actually a Baker fan now. I think he’s a homie.”
Clark then explained that he no longer blames Mayfield for what happened.
“You know, that’s your initial response, ‘screw that guy.’ But really, it’s screw the … you know,” he said. “I’m a Baker fan now, but that’s where it came from.”