Wyndham Clark secured his second U.S. Open title at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, on June 21, 2026, defeating Sam Burns by a single shot after watching a commanding six-shot lead nearly evaporate during a tense final round. The 32-year-old golfer shot a 3-over 73 on Sunday to finish the tournament at 4-under 276.
Clark became the first wire-to-wire U.S. Open winner since Martin Kaymer accomplished the feat at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014. The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Clark, who was ranked No. 75 in the world just one month ago and faced a hostile crowd throughout the championship weekend.
A Championship Nearly Lost
Clark entered the final round with a six-shot cushion that seemed insurmountable at one of golf’s most demanding venues. However, the advantage quickly eroded as the pressure of a major championship and an unsupportive gallery took their toll. The lead that appeared comfortable at the start of Sunday became precarious as the round progressed.
Sam Burns mounted a serious challenge, closing with an impressive 67 to put pressure on the leader. Burns finished just one shot back, coming agonizingly close to forcing a playoff or claiming the title outright.
A crucial moment came on the 16th hole when Clark drained a 30-foot birdie putt that proved essential to his margin of victory. On the 18th green, Clark faced a 50-foot putt to close out the championship.
“I honestly thought I made it. Just the way it goes sometimes,” Burns said of his final round effort that came up just short.
Hostile Crowd and Redemption Story
The atmosphere at Shinnecock Hills was notably antagonistic toward Clark throughout the tournament. The majority of spectators were pulling for Scottie Scheffler, who was pursuing the career Grand Slam. The tension was evident when a fan was ejected for shouting at Clark on the fourth tee.
Clark acknowledged the difficult environment and his own role in creating it following controversial incidents from the previous year. He was banned from Oakmont after reportedly bashing his locker at the 2025 U.S. Open, where he missed the cut. He also threw a driver at the 2025 PGA Championship.
“New York didn’t really like me — I love you guys. But I get it. Some of it’s self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret, and I’ve been sorry multiple times and I’m still sorry, so hopefully I can win you guys over eventually,” Clark said after his victory.
Addressing the crowd support for Scheffler, Clark added: “I get it — they were rooting for Scottie. Grand Slams only happen a few times. He’s going to get it. He’s the best player in the world. But today it’s my day.”
Scheffler’s Grand Slam Bid Falls Short
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player who was attempting to complete the career Grand Slam, shot 71 in the final round and never got closer than three shots to the lead. His pursuit of the prestigious achievement drew significant crowd support throughout the championship.
Tom Kim finished in third place after shooting a final round 70, providing another strong performance at the major championship.
Clark’s Remarkable Comeback
The victory caps an extraordinary month for Clark, who has won twice in the last four weeks. Before his recent surge, Clark had fallen to No. 75 in the world rankings. His triumph at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, where he fired a final round 60, signaled his return to form.
Clark’s first U.S. Open victory came in 2023 at Los Angeles Country Club. With this second major championship, he now moves to No. 8 in the world rankings, a dramatic improvement from his position just weeks ago.
This marks only his second career major title, both coming at the U.S. Open, establishing him as a specialist at America’s national championship despite his struggles at other major venues.
Final Round Scoring
The final round scores of the top finishers reflected the challenging conditions at Shinnecock Hills:
Wyndham Clark: 73 (3-over par), tournament total 276 (4-under)
Sam Burns: 67, one shot behind Clark
Scottie Scheffler: 71, three or more shots back
Tom Kim: 70, finishing third
Clark’s final round 73 stands among the higher winning scores in recent U.S. Open history, but the course’s difficulty and the mounting pressure of protecting a lead at a major championship contributed to the elevated number.
Historical Significance
By winning wire-to-wire, Clark joins an exclusive club of U.S. Open champions who led from start to finish. Martin Kaymer was the last player to accomplish this feat, doing so at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014.
The victory also adds to the legacy of Shinnecock Hills, one of the most storied venues in American golf. The course has now hosted multiple U.S. Opens and continues to test the world’s best players with its demanding layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 US Open?
Wyndham Clark won the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, finishing at 4-under 276 and defeating Sam Burns by one shot.
How many US Open titles does Wyndham Clark have?
Wyndham Clark now has two U.S. Open titles. His first came in 2023 at Los Angeles Country Club, and his second at Shinnecock Hills in 2026.
What was Wyndham Clark’s final round score at the 2026 US Open?
Clark shot a 3-over 73 in the final round while holding off challenges from Sam Burns and maintaining his wire-to-wire lead.
Who finished second at the 2026 US Open?
Sam Burns finished as the runner-up, one shot behind Wyndham Clark, after closing with a final round 67.
When was the last time someone won the US Open wire-to-wire?
The last wire-to-wire U.S. Open winner before Wyndham Clark in 2026 was Martin Kaymer, who accomplished the feat at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014.
Clark’s second U.S. Open championship completes a personal redemption story following his controversial behavior during the 2025 season. The 32-year-old now returns to the top 10 in world rankings at No. 8, having climbed from No. 75 in just one month through two victories, including this major championship at one of golf’s most demanding venues.
