Wyndham Clark emerged triumphant at the 123rd US Open, securing his maiden major title in an intense duel with Rory McIlroy. The final round at Los Angeles Country Club showcased a gripping display of skill and resilience as Clark, a rising star on the PGA Tour, held his nerve to clinch victory.
Starting the day tied for the lead, Clark exhibited unwavering composure throughout the final round. Despite a late wobble with consecutive bogeys, he swiftly recovered, finishing with a level-par 70 to claim the biggest win of his career.
With a final score of 10 under par, Clark fended off McIlroy’s determined challenge. McIlroy, plagued by putting struggles, managed just one birdie during the round. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler finished three strokes behind in third place, with Open champion Cameron Smith rounding out the top positions.
McIlroy started the final round on a good note, briefly sharing the lead with Clark. However, Clark saw his lead drop after a three-putt bogey on the second. He later regained the lead with a five-foot birdie putt on the fourth, while McIlroy stayed within one stroke after an impressive par save.
Despite challenges, Clark displayed resilience. He extended his lead to two strokes, overcoming a difficult situation at the par-five eighth with a clutch bogey save. McIlroy missed opportunities, resulting in a front-nine score of 34. Clark’s miraculous save from the thick grass on the ninth helped him maintain a one-shot lead.
Clark forged ahead, scrambling for par on the 11th, while McIlroy fell further behind with a messy bogey on the par-five 14th. Clark briefly stretched his lead to three strokes with a birdie on the same par five, but subsequent bogeys on the par-three 15th and the fairway bunker-stricken 16th reduced the margin.
McIlroy’s par save on the 16th could not save him as he failed to find a closing birdie. Clark confidently made two shots from 60 feet on the final hole, securing his first Major victory.
Clark’s determination and strength denied McIlroy the chance of a major victory, which he has been seeking for nine years now. His performance at the US Open was his best at a major since last year’s Masters Tournament.
Leon Osamor
