Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark has been banned from Oakmont Country Club following an incident during this year’s U.S. Open, where he reportedly damaged his locker in a moment of anger. His return to the historic club will depend on meeting specific conditions, including paying for the damages and completing counseling.
According to a letter obtained by Golf Digest, Oakmont club president John Lynch informed members of the decision. The letter stated that after several discussions with the USGA and Oakmont’s board, Clark is no longer allowed on the property.
Reinstatement, Lynch wrote, will require Clark to meet several terms: full reimbursement for the damage, a charitable donation to an organization chosen by the board, and completion of anger management or counseling sessions.
The locker room incident occurred during last month’s U.S. Open. While the media were not allowed inside, a photo of the damaged locker surfaced online and quickly went viral, sparking controversy.
Clark, who earned a 10-year exemption to the U.S. Open after his 2023 victory at Los Angeles Country Club, would be eligible to return to Oakmont in 2033, when it next hosts the tournament. Oakmont is one of the most iconic U.S. Open venues, having hosted the championship nine times — more than any other course.
A week after the incident, Clark publicly apologized at the Travelers Championship, expressing regret over his actions and saying he hoped to move forward for the sake of all parties involved — including Oakmont and the USGA.
More recently at the Scottish Open, he said he had moved past the incident. Oakmont officials acknowledged that Clark has offered to pay for the damages, though the other requirements remain unmet.
Reflecting on what happened, Clark said, “I made a mistake in a moment of rage with a bad year and everything coming together. More than anything, it was a good wake-up call for me — a reminder that things aren’t as bad as they seem.”
Clark, who reached No. 3 in the world rankings last year, has struggled in 2025. He currently sits at No. 28 in the world, No. 22 in the Ryder Cup standings, and is ranked No. 78 in the FedEx Cup — putting his postseason qualification at risk. So far, he has just one top-10 finish on the PGA Tour this season.
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