Wyndham Clark handled his US Open win with the perfect attitude to win back golf fans

Wyndham Clark could have won more than just his second U.S. Open title Sunday at Shinnecock Hills.

It could also win back some golf fans.

At least he’s given himself a pretty good start.

Clark closed with a 3-over 73 and finished one shot ahead of Sam Burns at 4-under. It wasn’t the best lap of the weekend, but it was enough to get the job done.

WYNDHAM CLARK SURVIVED HOSTILE CROWD AND SAM BURNED DOWN TO WIN SECOND USA OPEN AT SHINNECOCK HILLS

The task became even more difficult with the participation of the fans. Clark’s New York fans were not with him in the final round of the US Open. Not even close.

Fans on Long Island made it clear from the first hole that they were pushing for Clark’s playing partner, Scottie Scheffler, to follow him and complete the career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday.

That part is understandable.

Scheffler is the best golfer in the world and incredibly popular. If we take into account the fact that it is trying to achieve a historical success, the recipe for a clear audience advantage emerges.

But at some point, supporting Scheffler turned into being against Clark.

And this is an important distinction.

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Multiple reports said fans were kicked out of the venue for crossing the line with taunts directed at Clark. According to golf reporter Kevin Van Valkenburg, a fan was ejected after shouting “Don’t choke Wyndham” before Clark’s putt at No. 4.

Some might argue that this is part of professional sports, and this is true. Others might argue that golf operates in a different arena than the NFL, NBA, MLB or other professional leagues. Golf has a certain etiquette.

Clark brought some of the negativity onto himself. He was the first person to admit this, and he did so right after winning the tournament. This was an important step in his growth and maturation.

“New York didn’t like me very much, [but] I love you guys,” Clark told NBC’s Mike Tirico during his post-round interview on the 18th green.

Some fans booed, but Clark laughed it off.

Most of the crowd then started cheering as he continued.

“Part of this is what I deserve. I did some unfortunate things last year that I truly regret,” Clark said. “I’ve apologized many times and I’m still sorry. I hope I can win you over eventually.”

Clark flew into a rage after damaging a locker at Oakmont after missing the cut at last year’s US Open. He later apologized and the incident followed him into this year’s national championships. Golf fans don’t forget these things, especially at a historic US Open course where respect for the game is key.

But there is also a line.

Are you actively cheering for an American golfer trying to win the US Open on American soil? Not the greatest moment for US golf fans.

Fans attending the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club were definitely rooting for Scottie Scheffler over Wyndham Clark. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Many people watching at home seemed to notice this, too. The backlash on social media wasn’t entirely anti-Clark; Many golf fans were not happy that an American player was being subjected to this kind of treatment while trying to complete his second national championship.

Clark also acknowledged the other part of the crowd dynamic: those attracting another American in Scheffler.

“But I get it, they’re rooting for Scottie,” Clark said. “The Grand Slam has only happened a few times. He will achieve it, he is the best player in the world, but today is my day.”

Well said, Wyndham.

His nearly flawless interview with Tirico was just part of what helped win back more than a few golf fans. Clark hugged one of his friends as he walked off the 18th green after sinking the tournament-winning putt. The microphones caught him shouting “Let’s go! We’re drinking tonight!” He caught me shouting.

Golf fans, in fact most people, love a real man. They love a guy who can win a major championship, get the reaction of a hostile crowd, and then start talking about partying with his friends. A well-deserved party, by the way.

There was also a nice moment with her father, who surprised her after flying to New York on a wild Sunday morning.

Clark told his father, “Thanks, Dad. I’m glad you could be here.” When he said that, they hugged each other in a big hug.

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It was a special Father’s Day moment, especially since Clark lost his mother to breast cancer in 2013 when he was just 19 years old.

Everything was perfectly balanced. A talented but sometimes short-tempered golfer, Wyndham Clark showed the human side that people probably needed to see.

And after spending much of Sunday being the guy the crowd didn’t want the deal to end with, Clark didn’t fire back. He answered with perspective.

Golf fans need not forget what happened at Oakmont. Clark doesn’t seem to want them to do this. But they also don’t have to act like one ugly incident will define the rest of his career, especially when he keeps apologizing for it and then comes out and handles the next hostile moment with some grace.

And let’s be honest: Clark has earned the right to speak out a bit after that Sunday.

He entered the final round with a six-shot lead, nearly lost, was booed by sections of the crowd, and still made the shots and putts he needed on the 16th hole to win the tournament.

He then called 18, held his girlfriend’s hand, hugged his father, promised his friends a party and lifted the trophy.

This is pretty relatable. Except for the part about holding the US Open trophy.

Wyndham Clark celebrates with girlfriend Emily Tanner after winning the 126th U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. (Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour)

Winning in sports improves many things. Winning with a little self-awareness heals even more.

Clark will probably never be the most popular man on the PGA Tour. No problem. It’s not really trying to be like that.

Sports need villains, favourites, redemption stories and players who create conversation in living rooms, bars and on social media.

But Sunday was a pretty good reminder that people are allowed to mess up, apologize, get angry, and then move on.

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We, as fans, should offer them some grace.

Especially when that player is an American who just finished a streak of two consecutive majors won by European players and the US Open title remains in American hands.