Wyndham Clark said he was "embarrassed and ashamed" after damaging a locker at Oakmont as he spoke on Monday ahead of this week's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York.
Wyndham Clark Media Remarks
On Monday Clark called the episode "a really challenging time" and told reporters, "I've deeply regretted it and feel awful that I did that, but there are so many good lessons in that really taught me a bunch and I've really come a long way and I'm excited for this year's Open for some redemption and to move forward and enjoy the challenges of Shinnecock and how great this place is and how amazing this championship is." He described the Oakmont moment in a separate appearance as "a terrible thing," and repeated that he felt "embarrassed and ashamed."
Oakmont Reinstatement Terms Listed
Oakmont leadership responded after the incident by banning Clark from the property until he met specific conditions. The club tied any reinstatement to paying for the damages, making a contribution to the charity the board chooses, and completing counseling or anger management. Clark said he hopes to be in the field when the U.S. Open returns to Oakmont, but added the decision "will ultimately be up to the club." Oakmont has hosted the U.S. Open a record ten times and is poised to host again in 2033.
Clark's Recent Form and Ranking
Formally the 2023 U.S. Open champion at Los Angeles Country Club, Clark enters this week's championship ranked 34th in the Official World Golf Rankings. His recent results include an 11th place finish at the RBC Canadian Open, third place at the Memorial and victory at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson. Clark missed the cut at Oakmont last year, the event that produced the clubhouse damage and the subsequent ban.
That mix — a major title in 2023, top-15 showings and a win this season alongside the Oakmont suspension — frames why Clark's remarks matter now. He told media he wants "some redemption" at Shinnecock Hills, linking personal accountability to competitive goals in the same interview where he acknowledged remorse.
Oakmont set concrete steps for reinstatement; Clark has said publicly that he hopes to satisfy them and stand at the club when the championship returns, but Oakmont's board controls any return. With Clark's automatic exemptions into the tournament running out in 2033, the relationship between player and club will shape whether his future appearance at Oakmont is based on reinstatement, qualification or exemption status.
Clark returned to the subject on Monday as he prepared for the U.S. Open, calling the episode "a really challenging time" while also urging that lessons learned are part of his path forward. He framed his current goal plainly: compete at Shinnecock Hills and pursue the redemption he referenced, leaving the club's reinstatement decision in Oakmont's hands.
