At times on Sunday at Shinnecock Hills it felt like becoming a case of if, and not when, Wyndham Clark would collect a second US Open title and the moment he has craved since smashing up a locker at last year’s championship.
Having led at the end of each of the previous three days, the American, who had built a six-shot lead, began his fourth round as the overwhelming favourite.
However, by the time he reached the end of the seventh hole, the 2023 champion was wobbling. His massive advantage had evaporated to a single stroke with Sam Burns in hot pursuit.
Crucially though, nobody was able to draw level with Clark. And while there were several more plot twists, it was only when he holed a stunning 25-foot birdie putt on the 16th that it felt like he would cross the finishing line as the first wire-to-wire winner of the tournament since Martin Kaymer in 2014.
Even then there was drama. A bogey on the 17th left him needing to par the last, which he did after knocking a superb 53-foot birdie putt to within inches of the hole.
“The first one was a breakthrough of knowing I can do it. This one was a lot of redemption,” said Clark.
“Last year was so tough, a terrible year. I left [Oakmont] in a shambles. It’s amazing what a year can do. I’m leaving here as a champion and I’m just so blessed.”
This victory will not fully atone for his infamous meltdown after missing the halfway cut at Oakmont a year ago. That led to him receiving a ban from the Pennsylvania club until he underwent anger management therapy and paid for the repairs to the ancient lockers he damaged.
And there were occasions on Sunday, when it appeared like his subsequent acts of contrition had not cut through to the galleries judging by their reactions to him.
With many willing on his playing partner, world number one Scottie Scheffler, to complete a career Grand Slam, a huge number of fans celebrated Clark’s bogey on the seventh, while others were reportedly ejected from the course because of their hostility.
It was far from the scenes Europe’s players were faced with at nearby Bethpage Black during last September’s Ryder Cup but Clark blocked out the noise to complete the victory.
“New York didn’t really like me,” Clark added.
“I get it. Some of it is self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret. I’ve been sorry multiple times and I’m still sorry. Hopefully I can win you guys over eventually. I get it. They were rooting for Scottie.”
While Clark may not be the most popular champion – given his past misdemeanours also include flinging his driver and breaking the clubhead off it during the 2025 US PGA Championship – he proved deserving of the 18-inch sterling silver winner’s trophy and a hefty top prize of $4.5m (£3.9m).
After being criticised for “losing the course” at previous US Opens held at this famous Long Island track, the United States Golf Association was adamant it would remain playable throughout the week and produced a final-round set-up to deliver an intriguing finale.
Burns, who led after 54 holes in last year’s tournament, came closest to catching Clark. But he started seven shots back and was unable to quite bridge the gap despite shooting a three-under 67, on a day when 17 players broke 70.
And Scheffler’s expected charge towards acquiring the full set of major titles never materialised, as he marked his 30th birthday by signing for a one-over 71 to end up four shots back.