Wyndham Clark has held off a fast-finishing Rory McIlroy in a thrilling US Open finish to win his first major in emotional scenes. Clark, who has only ever won one PGA Tour title before the US Open, held his nerves all day in the final round on the greens as he was able to par the 18th hole at the Los Angeles Country Club to mark his first major win in a record-setting edition of the championship.
Clark found the wide fairway on the 18th with a one stroke lead, before a chip shot set him up for a nervous two-putt to hold off the impressive McIlroy. The 29-year-old broke down in tears as he looked skyward after the win as he dedicated the victory to his late mother having played fearlessly all week.
“I felt like mum was watching over me today,” an emotional Clark said in beautiful scenes. “She can’t be here, and I miss you, mum. But I just feel like I’ve worked so hard and dreamt about this moment so long.
“There’s been so many times I visualised being here in front of you guys and winning this championship, and I just felt like it was my time.”
Clark embraced his caddie as he broke down in tears, before embracing his wife in an outpouring of emotions for a worthy winner. The American finished -10 under for the week after an aggressive all round game saw him win the hearts of locals. Unfortunately, it was more heartbreak for McIlroy who came so close again to another major.
McIlroy’s final round involved 16 pars, one birdie and one bogey, which left him just short of play-off. His putting didn’t place enough pressure on Clark who continued to get himself out of trouble with some brilliant approach play. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler (70) placed third at seven under.
