Wyndham Clark is back in the spotlight, and not for the right reasons. Despite a remarkable comeback at The Open Championship, the 31-year-old golfer refused to speak to reporters on Saturday after three rounds, raising eyebrows across the golf world.
Clark shot 66 on both Friday and Saturday to climb back into contention after an ugly first round at Royal Portrush. But instead of capitalizing on the moment to reset his public image, he dodged the media entirely, a move many see as petty and calculated.
According to The Daily Telegraph’s James Corrigan, Clark’s silence may have been an attempt to avoid questions about his recent indefinite ban from Oakmont Country Club, one of the most prestigious courses in the U.S.
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Oakmont Ban Casts Long Shadow Over The Open
Clark’s troubles began at last month’s U.S. Open, where he missed the cut and had a meltdown in the locker room, reportedly damaging property. The incident led to an Oakmont suspension that will only be lifted if he pays for damages, donates to a charity selected by Oakmont’s board, and completes counseling.
This wasn’t an isolated moment either. Clark had previously thrown a club in frustration at the PGA Championship, showing a troubling pattern of emotional outbursts.
Refusing to engage with the media while in the hunt at a major only deepens the perception that Clark is avoiding accountability. Fans and insiders alike have noted that while pressure can boil over for athletes, media silence, especially during success…rarely helps public perception.
As the final round looms, Clark’s play may be strong, but his actions off the course continue to draw just as much scrutiny as his game.
