In a thrilling showdown at the Los Angeles Country Club, Wyndham Clark emerged as the champion of the 2023 US Open, capturing his maiden major title and etching his name in American golf history. Despite being relatively unknown in the world of golf, Clark showcased exceptional skill and nerves of steel to outshine Rory McIlroy, a four-time major winner from Northern Ireland, and claim the 123rd edition of this prestigious tournament with a one-stroke advantage.
At the age of 29, Wyndham Clark demonstrated his prowess by carding an impressive even-par 70 in the final round, finishing the tournament at 10-under overall. As a result, he earned a remarkable winner’s share of $3.6 million from the record-breaking $20 million prize purse, which stands as the highest ever awarded in the history of major championships.
Notably, Clark’s triumph coincided with Father’s Day, yet he dedicated his victory to his late mother, Lise Clark, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2013. Throughout the tournament, Clark had spoken passionately about his mother’s influence, recounting her parting words to him: “play big.” Undoubtedly, her spirit and inspiration guided him throughout the event, and emotions overwhelmed Wyndham Clark as he tearfully acknowledged her presence during the winner’s interview.
Reflecting on his long journey and the pursuit of his dreams, Wyndham Clark expressed heartfelt gratitude for achieving this long-cherished moment. The Denver-born golfer had envisioned himself standing before the crowd, triumphantly holding the championship trophy, and his vision had finally become a reality. With a sense of destiny, Wyndham Clark confidently stated, “I just feel like it was my time.”
On the other hand, McIlroy’s quest for a fifth major title continues after a nine-year wait since his last major victory in 2014. Despite finishing in the top-five on ten occasions in major tournaments since then, McIlroy fell short in his pursuit of another championship. The resilient golfer remains optimistic, affirming that the eventual victory will taste all the sweeter after enduring 100 Sundays like this.
Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler, who began the final round tied for the lead alongside Wyndham Clark, experienced a heart-wrenching slide on the last day, shattering his hopes of clinching his elusive first major. Despite starting strongly with a record-breaking 62 to tie Xander Schauffele for the lowest single round score ever shot at a US Open, Fowler faltered with a closing round of 75, ending up tied-fifth. Regrettably, Fowler joins the list of remarkable golfers who have repeatedly come close to winning a major but have yet to secure one.
Securing the third position was Scottie Scheffler, the reigning World No. 1, who finished three shots behind Wyndham Clark at seven-under. Australian golfer Cameron Smith followed closely in fourth place, just one stroke adrift. Sharing fifth place with Fowler were Australian Min Woo Lee and England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who came agonizingly close to matching Fowler and Schauffele’s historic record with a scintillating final round. Fleetwood’s electrifying performance included two eagles and four birdies, elevating him by an astonishing 32 places on the leaderboard. However, his hopes of joining the record holders were dashed as his final seven-foot birdie attempt narrowly missed the mark, resulting in a round of 63.
The defending champion, Matt Fitzpatrick, finished tied-17th at one-under overall, alongside last month’s PGA Championship winner, Brooks Koepka.
Looking ahead, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the next major championship, The Open Championship, set to commence on July 20 at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
For Fowler, any hopes of redemption after a disappointing finish in the third round quickly vanished. The world No. 45 encountered a nightmarish start, as errant tee shots and two early bogeys shattered his share of the 54-hole major lead—the first time he had held such a position in his career.
Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark capitalized on Fowler’s struggles, producing three consecutive birdies over the same stretch. By the end of the 60th hole, Clark had surged ahead by three strokes, transforming the dynamic of the competition.
However, Wyndham Clark faced a daunting challenge in McIlroy, who demonstrated remarkable composure during the final round, drawing on his vast experience and championship pedigree. Although McIlroy’s round lacked fireworks, with only one birdie on the front nine and a missed opportunity on the eighth hole, his consistent play kept him within striking distance, having recorded just a single bogey in his previous 23 holes.
Tragedy struck Wyndham Clark when he found himself in a difficult position among the fescue at the side of the eighth green. To his dismay, his swing failed to yield the anticipated result, leaving his ball buried in the long grass. This nightmarish scenario has thwarted the major dreams of numerous highly accomplished players in the past, but Clark showcased resilience and skill. On his second attempt, he executed a brilliant shot, setting himself up for a straightforward putt to salvage a bogey six.
As Wyndham Clark made the turn, he held a slender one-stroke lead over McIlroy. The stage was set for a thrilling head-to-head battle, as Fowler’s performance continued to decline, resulting in consecutive bogeys that pushed him two shots below the eight-under mark, which he had held after the tournament’s opening 18 holes.
Drama unfolded at McIlroy’s 14th hole when his approach shot, caught by the wind, landed in a bunker. The Northern Irishman, overcome with frustration, dropped to his knees. However, he received a stroke of luck when rules officials determined that his ball had broken the surface, granting him a drop in the rough outside the bunker. Sadly, his subsequent nine-foot par putt narrowly missed its mark, leading to a much-awaited bogey. Capitalizing on McIlroy’s misfortune, Wyndham Clark promptly birdied the same hole, reestablishing a three-shot cushion with just five holes remaining.
In a sudden twist of events, Clark’s nerves seemed to get the better of him. As McIlroy mounted a fierce challenge with a birdie on the 16th hole, Clark faltered, recording back-to-back bogeys. The lead narrowed once again to a mere one stroke.
However, Wyndham Clark regained his composure, securing a crucial par on the penultimate hole and carrying a one-shot advantage with him to the par-four 18th tee. Ahead of him, McIlroy’s ambitious birdie attempt from a long range missed by a whisker, putting Clark just a par away from sealing his victory at the US Open.
Approaching the green in two shots, Clark was accompanied by hundreds of ecstatic fans, who spilled onto the fairway to witness this historic moment. With nerves of steel, he struck his approach shot to within a foot, eliciting a triumphant fist pump. Approaching the final putt with unwavering focus, Clark sealed his championship by sinking it flawlessly.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Clark embraced his caddie, John Ellis, tightly. Overcome with a sense of accomplishment, he held his cap to his face, looking skyward as he paid tribute to the magnitude of the moment. Undoubtedly, Clark played big, living up to his mother’s inspiring words.
