Clark became only the ninth player to lead the U.S. Open from start to finish and the first since Martin Kaymer achieved the feat at Pinehurst in 2014. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Wyndham Clark captured his second U.S. Open title after surviving a tense back-nine battle to complete a wire-to-wire victory at windswept Shinnecock Hills on Sunday.

Clark, whose first major title came at the 2023 U.S. Open, carded a three-over 73 to finish at four-under 276, edging fellow American Sam Burns by a single stroke.

“Pretty amazing,” Clark said. “It’s surreal, to be honest.”

Starting the final round with a commanding six-shot lead, Clark saw his advantage shrink to just one stroke after a nervy front nine before steadying himself down the stretch.

“I played some ugly golf the last two days, but my putter and short game kept me in it,” he said.

“It comes down to believing good things are going to happen and that you’re going to make the putt. Fortunately, the ones I needed to make, I did.”

The decisive moment came at the par-five 16th, where Clark found deep rough off the tee before holing a remarkable 24-foot birdie putt. A bogey at the 17th briefly reopened the contest, but he safely two-putted from 52 feet for par on the 18th to secure victory.

“It has been a grind. I haven’t played the prettiest golf, so I’ve been in some pretty sketchy spots. I actually felt kind of comfortable over there,” Clark said of his lie at the 16th.

“To make birdie there was honestly a bonus. I just wanted to make par. That was one of the biggest putts I hit today.”

Clark became only the ninth player to lead the U.S. Open from start to finish and the first since Martin Kaymer achieved the feat at Pinehurst in 2014.

His victory carried extra emotion as he celebrated Father’s Day with his father, Randall, who surprised him by flying in for the final round.

“That was a shock,” Clark said. “My dad hasn’t been to many events. For him to be here in person is amazing.”

The 32-year-old collected a record winner’s cheque of $4.5 million from the tournament’s $22.5 million purse, but said the triumph also represented personal redemption after smashing a locker following last year’s missed cut at Oakmont.

“This one was a lot of redemption. Last year was so tough. A terrible year,” Clark said. “It’s amazing what a year can do.”

Clark also addressed hostile treatment from sections of the New York crowd after the US Golf Association confirmed that some spectators had been removed for unacceptable behaviour.

“New York didn’t really like me,” he said. “I love you guys. But I get it. Some of it is self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret. Hopefully I can win you guys over eventually.”

Burns finished second at three-under after a brilliant closing 67, while South Korea’s Tom Kim was third on one-under following a final-round 70.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who was bidding to complete the career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday, carded a 71 to finish tied for fourth alongside Keith Mitchell and JT Poston at even par.

“I get it. They root for Scottie,” Clark said. “Grand Slams only happen a few times.

“He’s going to get it. He’s the best player in the world. But today it’s my day.”

Clark briefly appeared vulnerable after making three bogeys on the front nine while Burns birdied four of his opening eight holes to cut the deficit to a single shot.

“I knew it was going to take something special,” Burns said. “Got off to a dream start.”

Burns remained within one after birdieing the 16th but was left heartbroken when his 16-foot birdie attempt at the last narrowly missed.

“I honestly thought I made it, but that’s just the way it goes,” Burns said. “I’m sure when I close my eyes tonight I may see that putt again.”

Published on Jun 22, 2026