In a stunning upset, Wyndham Clark emerged victorious at the U.S. Open, securing his first major championship title. Clark, who previously missed the cut in his two prior U.S. Open appearances, delivered a remarkable performance at the Los Angeles Country Club, holding off a fierce challenge from golf superstar Rory McIlroy.
Wyndham Clark reacts after missing a putt on the seventh hole during the final round. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
This victory marks Clark's second tournament win of the season, following his triumph at the Wells Fargo Championship in May. Entering the final round tied for the lead, Clark maintained his composure throughout, ultimately finishing 10-under par for the tournament.
McIlroy, hot on Clark's heels for the entire final round, saw his chances diminish on the 14th hole. A wayward shot into a bunker resulted in a bogey, putting him two strokes behind Clark. While McIlroy fought valiantly, he couldn't close the gap, finishing the tournament at 9-under par.
Clark's performance on the 14th hole proved pivotal. Landing his tee shot on the green, he birdied the hole, extending his lead over McIlroy to three strokes. Despite a bogey on the 15th, Clark held steady, ultimately securing the win with a par on the 18th.
Rory McIlroy reacts after missing a putt during the final round. (AP Photo/Marcio J. Sanchez)
Rickie Fowler, who began the tournament with a record-breaking 62, remained in contention throughout. However, four bogeys on the back nine hampered his pursuit of a second-place finish, ultimately ending the tournament at 5-under par.
Scottie Scheffler also mounted a challenge, finishing at 7-under par, but three bogeys in the final round proved costly. Tommy Fleetwood delivered a spectacular final round performance, shooting a 63 and climbing 32 spots on the leaderboard to finish tied with Fowler at 5-under par.
Wyndham Clark reacts to his putt on the 13th green during the final round. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Min Woo Lee, in his second U.S. Open appearance, also finished at 5-under par. Other notable players, including Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka, Matthew Fitzpatrick, and Bryson DeChambeau, trailed behind, unable to maintain pace with the leaders.
The Open Championship, the final major of the golf season, is set to commence on July 20th.
