A row of wooden lockers
A row of wooden lockers Unsplash

Wyndham Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, has been banned from Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania following an incident where he caused damage to the locker room after missing the cut at the 2025 US Open. The ban, announced on 16 July by the club's president, has raised serious questions about professional conduct in golf and how far clubs are willing to go to uphold tradition. The rare disciplinary measure follows an increasingly tense period in Clark's career marked by emotional outbursts and underwhelming results.

What Did Wyndham Clark Do at Oakmont Country Club?

On 13 June 2025, Clark failed to make the cut at the US Open by a single stroke. Frustrated by his performance, the 31-year-old reportedly destroyed several historic wooden lockers within Oakmont's exclusive clubhouse. The damage, captured in photos later circulated online, sparked immediate backlash from both fans and fellow professionals. Oakmont, one of the most revered venues in golf history, has hosted nine US Opens and is slated to do so again in 2033.

This was not Clark's first controversial moment in recent months. In May, he was seen throwing his driver at a tee sign during the PGA Championship, nearly hitting a nearby volunteer. That incident went largely unpunished, but the events at Oakmont proved more consequential.

Oakmont Country Club's Ban: A Historic Stand Against Misconduct

In a letter sent to members, Oakmont Country Club president John Lynch stated that Clark's actions were 'unacceptable' and 'damaging to the integrity of the sport'. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Oakmont's decision comes after Clark 'damaged a locker during the 2025 US Open'. The club's board has issued a full ban, which will remain in place until Clark meets three conditions:

  1. Full repayment for the locker room damages;
  2. A significant charitable donation to a cause approved by the club;
  3. Completion of a counselling or anger-management programme.

Such disciplinary action is almost unheard of in modern professional golf, particularly for a major champion. Lynch stressed that Oakmont's legacy 'cannot be compromised, no matter the player's stature'.

Wyndham Clark's Apology and Reputation Fallout

Clark publicly apologised at the Travelers Championship the week after the incident, stating: 'I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I'm very sorry for what happened'. He later described the situation as a 'wake-up call' during the Scottish Open, adding that he had already begun to take steps towards personal accountability.

Once ranked as high as third in the world, Clark has seen a sharp decline in form, dropping outside the top 25 and currently sitting on the edge of FedEx Cup eligibility. His Ryder Cup prospects, previously considered secure, are now under scrutiny.

How Wyndham Clark's Ban Challenges Golf's Code of Conduct

The decision by Oakmont signals a possible shift in how elite golf clubs and organisers address player behaviour. Historically, golf has adhered to a strict code of conduct rooted in decorum and sportsmanship. Yet, the rise of media scrutiny and increased mental strain on athletes is challenging that framework.

Clark's case could serve as a precedent, prompting governing bodies to reconsider how emotional outbursts are handled and whether support systems, such as mental health resources, should be standardised.

Will Wyndham Clark Return to Oakmont — and Redemption?

Oakmont will host the US Open in 2033, but Wyndham Clark's return isn't assured despite his 10-year exemption. The club insists he must meet all conditions first. His response in the coming months will shape both his legacy and evolving standards for accountability in professional golf.

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