Jack Nicklaus has heaped praise upon Wyndham Clark after the American secured his second major championship title on a dramatic final day at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
Clark looked to have everything under control heading into the last round in New York. Despite making a bogey on his 54th hole of the week, the 32-year-old remained six shots clear of the chasing pack.
How did you feel about the New York crowd's treatment of Wyndham Clark?
However, he did not make it easy on himself with his performance on Sunday.
Jack Nicklaus reacts to Wyndham Clark winning the US Open for a second time
Clark posted his worst score of the week to open the door for Sam Burns to move to within one shot. What certainly did not appear to help Clark was the fact that the crowds seemed to want anyone but him to emerge victorious.
However, the 2023 champion showed tremendous heart to get across the line and secure his second victory of the year, following The CJ CUP Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch.
And Jack Nicklaus is among those that have lauded Clark, with the 18-time major champion posting a message of congratulations on Instagram.
He suggested that he was particularly impressed by Clark’s performance around Shinnecock Hills’ treacherous greens.
Nicklaus wrote: ‘Wow, @wyndhamclark! What a @usopengolf win! You did what I always thought was one of the toughest tasks in golf—especially major championship play!—and that is to go wire to wire. On Sunday, you might have given up a little ground, but you recovered beautifully. I have always said that the U.S. Open is a total examination of a golfer’s game, and you aced your exam on the short game and scrambling! All those par-saves you had, and then that great birdie putt on No. 16. Just fantastic! You should be very proud and happy. I know Barbara and I are for you! She also sends her congrats and we wish you well in the future!
‘By the way, one of my very favorite aspects underlining every U.S. Open is the opportunity to win on Father’s Day. To see your Dad there to surprise you truly touched my heart! I’m sure it meant the world to you!’
Why Jack Nicklaus can relate to exactly what Wyndham Clark went through at Shinnecock Hills
Interestingly, Nicklaus made no mention of the hostility that Clark faced throughout the final round in Southampton.
There were cheers from the galleries every time Clark found the bunker or saw his ball roll off the green. It was the clearest indication yet that the golfing public are not yet ready to forgive him for his past mistakes, as well as how he has responded to them.
It is a surprise that Nicklaus did not comment on the crowd reception. His first major title came at the US Open back in 1962. And it is fair to say that the spectators were not on his side.
Nicklaus was battling it out with Arnold Palmer in Palmer’s backyard of Oakmont. The pair went to a playoff on the Monday which Nicklaus ended up winning.
That experience probably helped Nicklaus realise how mentally tough he was. Clark will certainly feel confident that he can thrive in any arena now.
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