Clark wins second US Open trophy despite hecklers

Clark wins second US Open trophy despite hecklersWyndham Clark secures a wire-to-wire victory despite hostile reception from New York crowd.Wyndham Clark has found a measure of redemption for smashing a locker at last year’s US Open by winning this year’s edition, but after merciless heckling, he fears becoming the PGA Tour’s villain.Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, withstood taunts from New York fans to fire a three-over par 73 and grab a one-stroke victory over fellow American Sam Burns at Shinnecock Hills in New York for a second major title.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4World Cup: Messi back in action as Argentina take on Austria in Dallaslist 2 of 4World Cup: Mbappe leads France into crucial Iraq clash in Philadelphialist 3 of 4Salah scores against NZ as Egypt records historic win at World Cuplist 4 of 4No pressure to pass the ball to Ronaldo, Portugal’s Conceicao saysend of list“The first one was amazing, and this one seems even better,” Clark said. “Especially after such a sour taste last year in this championship, to have some redemption and win this again is almost surreal.”Clark has repeatedly apologised for damaging the locker at Oakmont in Pennsylvania after missing the cut last year.“I sure hope it closes the door on it,” Clark said. “I’ll probably always get [hecklers], but I hope I don’t become the heel of the PGA.”Clark recalled the aftermath of the incident as his darkest time, never dreaming he would win the US Open a year later.“After what happened at Oakmont was obviously the lowest point,” Clark said. “It was a really tough two, three days for me. I was in a dark place, didn’t really go outside much.“I just felt a lot of my career, world ranking, reputation, everything just dwindling. That’s a terrible feeling.“In that moment, I definitely didn’t think I’d be here this year doing this.”While some joked about what Clark might have done to his locker had he squandered a six-stroke lead in the last round, Clark said he has much better control of his anger.