Clark strikes second US Open title

Wyndham Clark captured his second US Open golf title after a back-nine battle on Sunday, holding off Sam Burns for a wire-to-wire triumph at blustery Shinnecock Hills.

Clark, whose other major crown came at the 2023 US Open, fired a three-over par 73 in the final round to finish 72 holes on four-under 276 and defeat fellow American Burns by one stroke.

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 on Sunday.

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.

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.

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.

Scheffler, who would have completed a career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday with a victory, was confident he could catch Clark despite starting six shots behind.

It was his fourth runner-up finish of the year and second in a major after the Masters.

While he won his season opener in the California desert, Scheffler said his game is not quite all there yet.-AFP

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