Wyndham Clark: “I think 1,000 people have had a drink out of my trophy”

Wyndham Clark on Pinehurst and his 2023 US Open win

The defending champion on partying, Pinehurst, and hitting one of the best shots in US Open history.

“Hearing the words ‘US Open champion’ attached to my name will never get old. It’s pretty awesome when they announce me on the first tee as the reigning US Open champion at different tournaments. It feels great.

“There was a lot of adversity in that final round on Sunday last year, but I handled it really well. Mentally, I felt really strong. I think in the end that’s what got me the W, because my game wasn’t as sharp as it was when I won at Quail Hollow the month before. At LACC, I wasn’t hitting my irons that well, but I was putting and chipping really well and my mentality was just so strong. That’s what fills me with the most pride.

“I think my fairway wood on the 14th on Sunday was one of the best shots in US Open history. And so does my caddie. Under the circumstances, knowing how hard that hole was playing, how narrow that landing area was, and the fact that no one was making birdie on that hole… to pull off that shot from 279 yards to 25 feet for eagle was really hard. I just really wish I’d made that putt. Afterwards, a reporter said that if I had made the putt it probably would have gone down as one of the best shots ever in the US Open. So I was like, “Darn it!”

“It’s never easy sleeping on a lead, especially at a Major championship. You have a nervous energy and excitement and you just can’t wait to get out there and play. The hardest thing was being patient and waiting for the time to go out and do it. Fortunately, we were in LA so I went down to Malibu in the morning on Sunday and just walked around the beach town. It was nice because I could waste time and help get my mind away from trying to win the US Open.

“It’s cool for me that my first Major victory was the US Open because I started trying at such a young age. I made it to sectionals so many times but never made it to the US Open. To win it now just seems fitting. Being an American kid also made it an awesome experience, with the crowds supporting me.

“I had maybe 60, or 70 friends and family who were there the whole week and partied with me that Sunday night. It was an amazing experience to be able to share the win with them. It felt like a big army of supporters, to be honest with you.

“I’m not ready to give the trophy up just yet. This is not very sanitary, but I think 1,000 people have had a drink out of my trophy. Almost every kind of alcohol has been in there. It’s been at my home club at Whisper Rock in Scottsdale, Arizona, it went to Vegas for some fun, it went to Cabo San Lucas for my 30th birthday, it went to New York and then it went back home to Colorado.

“I’ve never played Pinehurst No.2, but I know the course is just amazing. I’ve been in the area and played some of the other Pinehurst courses, but I really don’t know much about No.2 other than the fact that it’s got a bunch of turtleback greens. I’m looking forward to working on a lot of putts, 3-woods, and chips from off the greens.

“The great thing is, if I find myself in contention again for a Major, I know I’ve already pulled one off already so there won’t be any doubt. That is huge. I feel like my game has always been a good fit for Majors because of my length and short game. They are two huge things for a Major championship, to be able to hit it far off the tee and get up and down under pressure. So, I like my chances in Majors. It’s just a matter of where my game’s at that week and where I’m at mentally.

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About the author

Michael Catling
Features Editor

Michael Catling is Today’s Golfer‘s Features Editor and an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

Michael joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with dozens of Major champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, and Justin Thomas.

Michael uses a Ping G driver, Ping G 3-wood, Ping G Crossover 3-iron, Ping G Series irons (4-PW), Ping Glide wedges (52º, 56º, 60º), TaylorMade MySpider Tour Putter, and Srixon AD333 golf ball.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on Twitter.