Scottie Scheffler said “being in the arena is not for everybody” after fellow American Wyndham Clark withstood tough crowd treatment to win the U.S. Open in Southampton.
Scheffler, who played with Clark in the final round and was trying to complete career grand slam, discussed the environment at Shinnecock Hills after some people were escorted off the course for heckling.
“The crowd was tough today. I mean, New Yorkers, they are tough people,” Scheffler said afterward. “There was a good turnout from the fans. You like seeing the fans cheer for you.
“I think sometimes it can get a little too much when, you know, balls are kind of going off greens and you start hearing cheers. That felt a bit much to me.
“But at the end of the day I can’t control fan behavior. Being in the arena is not for everybody. There’s been crowds that have been for me in my career and there’s been crowds that have been significantly against me in my career.
“… I think it shows a lot about Wyndham, how he handled not only this golf course but I think the crowd today as well and is a well-deserving champion.”
Clark was heckled during his entire final round as it came down to the wire to clinch his second U.S. Open title.
A young fan reportedly yelled at Clark not to choke and was walked out by security on the fourth hole Sunday.
Clark explained after the win that he understood why fans felt the way they did and expressed regret for his past.
“New York didn’t really like me,” Clark said at the trophy ceremony. “I love you guys. But I get it. Some of it’s self deserved.
“I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret, and I’ve said sorry multiple times, and I’m still sorry. So, hopefully, I can win you guys over eventually.”
Clark was banned by Oakmont in Plum, Pa., after he damaged the locker room at the 2025 U.S. Open. He missed the cut by a single stroke and took out his anger on a few lockers.
The 32-year-old was reinstated after he publicly apologized, paid for the the damage, made a charitable contribution and completed anger management.
Clark’s father, Randall, took a red-eye flight from Denver to surprise him at the end of Sunday’s round.
The pair shared an emotional hug on Father’s Day.
