Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open winner, has publicly apologized after a heated moment during the final round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club on Sunday. Clark, visibly upset following a poor tee shot on the par-4 16th hole, hurled his driver in frustration, striking a signage board and breaking the club. The broken club narrowly missed a nearby volunteer, drawing significant criticism.
At the time, Clark was three over par for the tournament and had hit his drive into a right fairway bunker. In response, the 31-year-old threw his driver toward the back of the tee box. The club shattered upon impact with a T-Mobile sign—ironically from one of his sponsors—leaving a volunteer visibly shaken.
The outburst was caught on video and quickly went viral on social media, prompting backlash from fans and analysts who labeled the act as dangerous and unprofessional.
On Monday, Clark issued a heartfelt apology via X (formerly Twitter). “I want to sincerely apologize for my behavior yesterday on Hole 16,” he wrote. “As professionals, we’re expected to stay composed, even under pressure, and I let my emotions get the better of me.”
He acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate, stating that he holds himself to a higher standard and is committed to learning from the incident. “I fell short of the values I try to uphold. I promise to work on managing my frustration better moving forward and hope to earn your forgiveness,” he added.
Clark’s frustration capped off a disappointing tournament. After rounds of 72, 69, and 73, he closed with a 74, finishing at four over par and tied for 50th. It marks his fourth consecutive finish outside the top 25 since winning the U.S. Open.
This isn’t the first time Clark’s temper has been under scrutiny. He has previously opened up about emotional struggles, particularly related to the loss of his mother. However, the intensity and danger of this latest incident have raised fresh concerns about his behavior.
While his apology has been acknowledged, it remains unclear whether the PGA Tour will issue disciplinary action. The sport emphasizes professionalism, and acts of aggression like Clark’s are generally condemned.
The incident diverted attention from Scottie Scheffler’s commanding win and has become one of the major talking points from the championship—highlighting both the mental pressures of elite competition and the need for self-control on the course.
