Wyndham Clark Holds Off Rory McIlroy To Win 2023 U.S. Open

0
Wyndham Clark Wins 2023 U.S. Open at LA Country Club
Wyndham Clark walks off the 18th green with the trophy after winning the 123rd U.S. Open at The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course) on June 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Ben Jared for the PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Entering the final round of the U.S. Open at an empty LA Country Club, four players were within three shots of the lead: Rickie Fowler (-10), Wyndham Clark (-10), Rory McIlroy (-9), and Scottie Scheffler (-7).

Scheffler is the world No.1; Rory is a four-time major winner (and the face of the PGA Tour), while Fowler is arguably the tour’s most popular player.

Then there’s Clark, the relatively unknown 29-year-old from the University of Oregon, who won his first PGA Tour event just five weeks ago and had never finished better than T75 in a major.

Naturally, the underdog Clark held off the three superstars to claim victory at the 123rd U.S. Open. It was in Hollywood, after all.

Wyndham Clark Wins 2023 U.S. Open at LA Country Club
Wyndham Clark poses with the trophy after winning the 123rd U.S. Open at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Richard Heathcote via Getty Images)

“I feel like I belong on this stage, and even two, three years ago when people didn’t know who I was,” said Clark. “I felt like I could still play and compete against the best players in the world. I felt like I’ve shown that this year.”

The Colorado native shot an even-par 70 on Sunday to reach 10-under 270, one clear of McIlroy, who failed once again claim his fifth career major title. The controversial star, who won four majors in his first 25 major starts, has now come up empty in his last 33 appearances.

Clark will ascend to No.13 in the world rankings, while earning $3,600,000.


2023 U.S. Open Results

Leaderboard: Top 10

Pos-Player-Score (Final Rd)
1. Wyndham Clark -10 (E)
2. Rory McIlroy -9 (E)
3. Scottie Scheffler -7 (E)
4. Cam Smith -6 (-3)
5. Rickie Fowler -5 (+5)
5. Min Woo Lee -5 (-3)
5. Tommy Fleetwood -5 (-7)
8. Tom Kim -4 (-1)
8. Harris Enghlish -4 (+2)
10. Xander Schauffele -3 (+2)
10. Dustin Johnson -3 (+2)
10. Austin Eckroat -3 (-5)
10. Jon Rahm -3 (-5)

Money Winners: Top 5

Pos-Player-Money
1. Wyndham Clark $3.6m
2. Rory McIlroy $2.16m
3. Scottie Scheffler $1.4m
4. Cam Smith $990k
5. Rickie Fowler $738k
5. Min Woo Lee $738k
5. Tommy Fleetwood $738k

U.S. Open: Photo Finish

Wyndham Clark Wins 2023 U.S. Open at LA Country Club
Wyndham Clark looks to the heavens recognizing his late mother, Lise Clark, after winning the 123rd U.S. Open at The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course) on June 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Ben Jared for the PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Content from USGA Media used to compile this recap.


Advertisement

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your name here