Oakmont bans former U.S. Open champ Wyndham Clark for locker damage
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 2:27 pm
Oakmont Country Club Bans Wyndham Clark Following Locker Incident
Oakmont Country Club has banned former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark from its property due to damage he inflicted on his locker. Club President John Lynch confirmed the ban in a letter to members. The incident occurred after Clark missed the cut at the recent major championship.
According to the letter, Clark's ban is contingent on him fulfilling several conditions for reinstatement. These include full repayment for the damage, a contribution to a charity selected by the club's board, and the successful completion of counseling or anger management sessions.
Clark, who won the U.S. Open in 2023, expressed regret for the incident. He acknowledged making a mistake and apologized, also offering to cover the cost of the damage. He has stated his desire to move forward and focus on the remainder of the year.
In the 2025 U.S. Open, Clark shot two rounds of 74, failing to make the cut. While players who missed the cut still received $10,000, they missed out on a significant portion of the tournament's $21.5 million purse. The winner of the tournament received $4.3 million.
Clark's performance since his U.S. Open victory has been mixed. He tied for 33rd at the 2023 British Open and has missed the cut at several major championships, including the 2024 Masters, PGA Championship, and British Open. He is currently ranked No. 28 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
BNN's Perspective: While the club's decision to ban Clark is understandable given the damage and the need to uphold standards of conduct, the conditions for reinstatement offer a path for Clark to learn from his mistake and return to the course. This approach balances accountability with the opportunity for personal growth and a return to the sport.
Keywords: Wyndham Clark, Oakmont Country Club, U.S. Open, locker damage, ban, golf, John Lynch, counseling, anger management, major championship, Official World Golf Ranking.