A stormy reception awaited Wyndham Clark on the final day of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, where he'd already banked a six-shot lead. Yet despite the maelstrom surrounding him, America's top golfer showed nerves of steel to deliver his second US title in four years - and what a contrast it was to the sparse, disinterested crowds that had greeted him just 24 hours earlier!
The evening session on Saturday had been a muted affair, with Shinnecock's grandstands eerily empty as Clark wrapped up his round and set himself up for victory. He expressed frustration at the thin attendance, citing the late finish time and other factors as reasons why fans had departed early - it was clear he craved a more electric atmosphere to match his scintillating form.
Fast-forward to Sunday's final showdown, and all bets were off. The galleries spilled out onto the fairways, their mood decidedly sour towards Clark. As he played alongside fan favourite Scottie Scheffler, every misstep was met with jubilant cheers - just as each display of skill or recovery was met with stony silence. We're told some spectators even got the boot for hurling abuse at Clark from the sidelines!
This vitriolic reception wasn't entirely new to Clark, who's had his fair share of on-course controversies over the years - most notably that infamous incident at Oakmont where he lost his cool and trashed some lockers. Yet despite this reputation, he showed remarkable composure in the face of hostility to seal the win.
As the trophy was presented in a largely deserted ceremony, Clark took it on the chin with characteristic humour: "New York didn't really like me. I love you guys," he quipped - an acknowledgement of both his tough day and the unique story that has become his US Open victories: conquering not just the course, but also the crowd's disapproval.