SOUTHAMPTON (United States) — World No 1 Scottie Scheffler praised playing partner Wyndham Clark for defying New York hecklers as well as the formidable Shinnecock to win his second US Open title.
Scheffler settled for a share of fourth after firing a one-over par 71 to finish on 280 while Clark edged fellow American Sam Burns by one stroke for the title.
Scheffler had a front-row view of what Clark endured. “The crowd was tough,” Scheffler said. “New Yorkers, they’re tough people.
“Sometimes it can get a little too much when balls are kind of going off greens and you start hearing cheers. That felt a bit much to me.”
While it was not the over-the-top abuse that Rory McIlroy took in the Ryder Cup last year at nearby Bethpage Black, it was enough to show Scheffler Clark’s character.
“Being in the arena is not for everybody,” Scheffler said according to AFP. “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.”
Clark made a crucial 24-foot birdie putt at the par-five 16th and a two-putt par from 52 feet at the last to hold off Burns on a day when the US Golf Association removed some spectators for irresponsible conduct.
“He showed kind of what he’s made of there with a great birdie there on 16. He was in some trouble off the tee,” Scheffler said.
