Wyndham Clark handled his US Open win with a positive attitude to win back golf fans

Wyndham Clark may have won more than his second US Open title on Sunday at Shinnecock Hills.

You may have won over golf fans, too.

At least, he gave himself a great start.

Clark closed with a 3-over 73 and finished at 4-under, one shot clear of Sam Burns. It wasn’t his best round of the weekend, but it was enough to get the job done.

WYNDHAM CLARK SURVIVES HOSTILE CROWD AND SAM BURSTS CUP TO WIN SECOND OPEN AT SHINNECOCK HILLS

And the work was made stronger by the fans who were there. Clark didn’t have the New York crowd on his side in the final round of the US Open. Not even close.

The fans on Long Island made it clear on the first hole that they were rooting for Scottie Scheffler, Clark’s partner, to chase him down and complete a career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday.

That part is understandable.

Scheffler is the best golfer in the world and incredibly popular. Throw in the fact that he was trying to release something epic and there’s a recipe for a clear crowd pleaser.

But at some point, rooting for Scheffler turned to rooting against Clark.

And that’s an important difference.

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Multiple reports said fans were kicked out of the venue for crossing the line to boo Clark. According to golf reporter Kevin Van Valkenburg, one fan was thrown after yelling “Don’t choke, Wyndham” before Clark’s tee shot on No. 4.

Some may argue that that is part of professional sports, and that is true. Some may argue that golf operates in a different environment than the NFL, NBA, MLB or other professional leagues. There is some decoration around golf.

Clark has brought some of the worst on himself. He is the first to admit that, and he did it after winning the tournament. That was an important step in his growth and maturity.

“New York didn’t really like me, [but] I love you guys,” Clark told NBC’s Mike Tirico during an interview after rounding the green on the 18th.

Some fans booed, but Clark laughed.

Then most of the crowd started cheering as he continued.

“The other thing is to suit myself. I did some bad things last year that I regret,” said Clark. “I have apologized many times and I am still apologizing. I hope to win you over in the end.”

Clark caught heat last year after damaging a locker at Oakmont after missing the US Open. He then apologised, the incident followed him to this year’s national competition. Golf fans don’t forget those things, especially at the historic US Open, where respect for the game is important.

But there is also a line.

Are you enjoying playing American golf trying to win the US Open on American soil? It’s not the best time for US golf fans.

Fans in attendance at the 126th US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club were definitely rooting for Scottie Scheffler to beat Wyndham Clark. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Many people watching at home seemed to notice that, too. The social media reaction wasn’t all against Clark; many golf fans were not happy that the American player was receiving the kind of treatment he was trying to seal his second national championship.

Clark acknowledged another part of the powerful crowd: those who drew another American to Scheffler.

“But I hear you, they’re fighting for Scottie,” Clark said. “The Grand Slam has happened a few times. You will get it, you are the best player in the world, but today is my day.”

Well done, Wyndham.

His almost flawless conversation with Tirico was part of what may have helped him win back a few golf fans. As he walked off the 18th green after sinking the putt that won the tournament, Clark hugged one of his friends. The microphone caught him exclaiming, “Let’s go! We’re drinking tonight!”

Golf fans, most people really, love the real guy. They love a guy who can win a big tournament, take the heat from a hostile crowd and start talking about falling down with his friends. A fitting party, by the way.

There was also a nice moment with her dad, who surprised her after flying into New York with a red eye on Sunday morning.

They hugged tightly as Clark told his father, “Thanks, Pops. I’m glad you could be here.”

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It was a special Father’s Day, especially since Clark lost his mother to breast cancer in 2013 when he was just 19 years old.

The whole thing struck a perfect balance. Here’s Wyndham Clark, a talented but sometimes hot-headed golfer, showing a side of humanity that people probably needed to see.

And after spending most of Sunday as the crowd didn’t want to see the deal close, Clark didn’t react in anger. He replied with an idea.

Golf fans should never forget what happened at Oakmont. Clark doesn’t seem to be asking them to do that. But they also shouldn’t act like one bad incident should define his entire career, especially when he keeps apologizing for it and then comes out and handles the next hateful moment with some grace.

And let’s be honest: Clark earned the right to speak after that Sunday.

He went into the final round with a six-putt, almost lost, was attracted by sections of the crowd and made the shot and putt he needed on the 16th hole to win the tournament.

Then he turned 18, held his girlfriend’s hand, hugged his dad, promised his friends a party and raised the trophy.

That is related. Well, except for the part about holding the US Open trophy.

Wyndham Clark celebrates with his girlfriend Emily Tanner after winning the 126th US Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. (Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour)

Winning is very healing in sports. Self-awareness heals even more.

Clark probably won’t be the most famous man on the PGA Tour. That’s right. He’s not really trying to be.

Sports need bullies, favorites, redemption arcs and players who create conversations in living rooms, bars and social media.

But Sunday was a good reminder that people are allowed to mess up, apologize, take the heat and move on.

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And we, as fans, have to give them some grace.

Especially if that player is an American who just ended a streak of two straight majors won by European players and kept the US Open title in American hands.