Wyndham Clark Wins US Open 2026 Redemption At Shinnecock Hills

Wyndham Clark secured a second US Open title at Shinnecock Hills, edging Sam Burns by one stroke and calling the win a personal redemption after previous regretful behaviour at the championship in 2025. Clark completed four rounds at four under par, survived a tense final day, and left New York speaking openly about repairing his reputation with the crowd.

Sam Burns pushed Clark hard with a low final-round score, while world number one Scottie Scheffler and Kim Joo-hyung also featured near the top of the leaderboard. Further back, Rory McIlroy slipped down the field after a difficult weekend, ending well outside contention despite expectations before the final round.

Clark began the final round with a strong advantage but posted a closing 73, which allowed Burns to apply pressure over the inward stretch. Burns signed for a 67 to finish on three under, missing a first major championship by a single shot, though this result stands as the best major finish of Burns’ career.

The narrow victory also confirmed Clark as the first wire-to-wire US Open winner since Martin Kaymer dominated Pinehurst in 2014. Clark topped every round at Shinnecock Hills and held off a chasing pack that included Scheffler, who ended tied fourth, four strokes behind, after starting Sunday within realistic reach of the trophy.

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The leading performers at Shinnecock Hills are shown below in strokes relative to par and position.

Clark contrasted this controlled performance with his collapse at the previous US Open, when rounds of 74 and 74 led to a missed cut and an angry outburst that included smashing a locker. Clark described the mental strain of that experience and admitted that the difficult season which followed shaped his perspective heading into Shinnecock Hills.

The emotions of holding a second major were clear as Clark reflected on the difference between 2023 and this year. “The first one [2023 win] was a breakthrough of knowing I can do it. This one was a lot of redemption,” said Clark after winning his second major. “Last year was so tough, a terrible year. I left [last year’s US Open at Oakmont] in a shambles. It’s amazing what a year can do. I’m leaving here as a champion and I’m just so blessed.”

Clark also addressed the atmosphere in New York and past tension with spectators following his behaviour at Oakmont. “New York didn’t really like me. I get it. Some of it is self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret. I’ve been sorry multiple times and I’m still sorry. Hopefully I can win you guys over eventually. I get it. They were rooting for Scottie.”

Scheffler, who shared fourth place, spoke about playing conditions and the noise from the galleries, while also praising Clark’s composure. “The crowd was tough. New Yorkers are tough people,” said Scheffler. “Sometimes it can get a little too much when balls are going off greens and you start hearing cheers. That felt a bit much to me. It shows a lot about Wyndham, how he handled not only this golf course but the crowd as well and he is a well-deserving champion.”

Kim Joo-hyung delivered a steady performance to claim third at one under par, while McIlroy slid to a tie for 32nd after a poor stretch left the four-time major winner on six over. With Clark leaving as champion and speaking candidly about past mistakes, the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills closed with a clear storyline of sporting recovery and mental resilience.