Playing the villain - Wyndham Clark wins the U.S. Open

How influence catches fire

He just happened to be playing late on Thursday, when the insistent Long Island wind laid down. An awkward detail amid the vitriol directed at American golfer Wyndham Clark during this U.S. Open.

The same conditions late Thursday were available to his peers. Truth is, Clark played better, separating himself from the field. He held the lead from that point to deep into Sunday’s back nine. The invective continued regardless.

Tall poppies are easy to cut; the Long Island crowd took full advantage, showing that the crowd behaviour at last year’s Ryder Cup was not in isolation.

"Get in the sand" on boorish repeat after every Clark approach shot. "You suck, Wyndham." "Let's go Scottie." "Burn baby, burn" — the last two in support of Clark's closest challengers, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns.

Not wanting to miss out, NBC’s commentary followed suit—seemingly unable to hide their own contempt. They reminded us continually that Clark was scrambling, escaping trouble by chipping and putting the lights out, as though those disciplines are all luck and no skill. Shocking how quickly one golfer attracted such a villainous tag. How influence can catch fire.

Fans have a choice in who to support, and sporting celebrities can be polarising. Clark kicked a locker room at last year’s U.S. Open and dodged accountability—a mistake. Since then he’s played OK, and has been a regular withdrawer on the PGA Tour.

The result? Wyndham Clark is a two-time U.S. Open champion. Well played, sir, I say.

And to the churlish patrons removed from the course and escorted to the train station to travel west back to Manhasset—I hope your German SUVs are on bricks.

Nick