Wyndham Clark Banned from Oakmont Country Club Following US Open Incident

American golfer Wyndham Clark has been banned from Oakmont Country Club following an incident during the US Open in June 2023, where he allegedly damaged the club’s locker room. In a letter sent to club members, John Lynch, president of Oakmont Country Club, stated that this decision was made due to Clark’s “recent behavior.”

The letter detailed that after discussions with the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Oakmont Country Club Board, it was determined that Clark would be prohibited from entering club property. The ban remains in place unless the board decides to reconsider it. Reinstatement would depend on Clark meeting specific conditions, including full repayment for the damages incurred, making a significant donation to a charity chosen by the board, and completing counseling or anger management sessions.

Reports emerged shortly after Clark’s missed cut at the US Open, where he finished at 8-over par and failed to qualify for the weekend rounds. The challenging conditions at Oakmont left many players struggling, with only one competitor, J.J. Spaun, finishing under par. Following the tournament, social media claims suggested that Clark had caused damage to the lockers, prompting the club’s swift action.

At the Travelers Championship in Connecticut a week later, Clark publicly acknowledged his actions, expressing remorse for the incident. “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,” the 31-year-old said during a press conference. He emphasized his desire to move forward, not just for his own career but also for the sake of Oakmont and the USGA.

The atmosphere during the US Open was tense, with several players displaying visible frustration. Many were seen throwing clubs and expressing their dissatisfaction with the difficult course layout. This was not the first instance of Clark’s anger on the course this season; during the 2025 PGA Championship, he was reported to have thrown a club, causing damage to a tee box.

Looking ahead, Oakmont Country Club is scheduled to host the US Open again in 2033. Clark, having secured his exemption through his victory in 2023, will still have the opportunity to compete. As he navigates the aftermath of this incident, Clark remains focused on his goals for the remainder of the year, including aspirations to join the Ryder Cup team and improve his standing in the FedEx Cup rankings.

This incident raises questions about player conduct and the expectations placed on professional athletes. As the world of golf continues to evolve, the responses to behavior on and off the course will be crucial in shaping the sport’s future.