Wyndham Clark battled both Shinnecock Hills and its fans to claim his second major win at the US Open.
Many visitors at Long Island were very vocal in their disdain of Clark, who lifted the trophy after a one-shot victory over Sam Burns.
Their fellow American Scottie Scheffler was able to witness the often unsavory scenes first hand on Sunday, having partnered Clark in the final round.
After finishing his week at the US Open in a tie for fourth, Scheffler suggested if the fans crossed the line with their treatment of Clark.
How did you feel about the New York crowd's treatment of Wyndham Clark?
Scottie Scheffler suggests if the US Open fans crossed the line with Wyndham Clark
Scheffler was asked by the media after his final round at Shinnecock Hills if he can recall such a one-sided scenario with fans, aside from the likes of the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
Having already been asked a question about the fans at that stage, Scheffler said: “Guys, I’m not going to sit here and talk about fans the whole time. Sorry.
“I’m a big proponent of controlling what I can control on the golf course. Like I said, you know, you like it when fans are cheering for you.
“I think when fans start to cheer against other players, albeit in a respectful manner, I think when it gets too far is when you have people screaming in guys’ swings. That didn’t happen today.
“But that’s as much as I want to elaborate. You can keep asking the questions if you want. I don’t think I’m going to have much better for you than that.
“If you want to talk about golf, I’m happy to talk about golf.”
Scottie Scheffler praises Wyndham Clark after US Open fan abuse
Just beforehand, the world number one was asked for his perception of the crowd’s treatment of his compatriot Clark.
Praising the champion, he replied: “I mean, the crowd was tough today. I mean, New Yorkers, they are tough people.
“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.
“You know, there’s been crowds that have been for me in my career; there’s been crowds that have been significantly against me in my career.
“I think Portrush was a scenario for me where Rory [McIlroy] is in his hometown. Or not his hometown; he’s in Ireland, not far from where he grew up. Crowds can be tough.
“Being in the arena is not for everybody, and 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.”
Incidentally, McIlroy was not immune to the harsh treatment from the fans at Shinnecock Hills, where he finished in a tie for 32nd.
But the same cannot be said for Scheffler, who received huge backing as he ultimately fell short in his bid to complete the career Grand Slam.
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