During the final round of the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark’s frustration culminated in a dangerous outburst that has since drawn widespread criticism.
After a wayward tee shot on the 16th hole landed in a fairway bunker, Clark, visibly upset, slammed his driver into an advertising hoarding, breaking the club and startling a nearby course marshal. The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral, with one volunteer describing the experience as having “scared me to death” .
In response to the backlash, Clark issued a public apology on social media, expressing remorse for his actions. He acknowledged that his behavior was “uncalled for and completely inappropriate,” stating, “I hold myself to a high standard… and yesterday I fell short of those standards.” Clark promised to better manage his frustrations on the course .
This incident adds to a series of disappointing performances for Clark since his 2023 U.S. Open victory, with his recent finish at Quail Hollow marking his seventh consecutive major without a top-30 placement . The PGA Tour has not disclosed any disciplinary actions regarding the incident, but the event has reignited discussions about the need for transparency in handling player conduct violations.
As Clark prepares for upcoming tournaments, including the U.S. Open in June, he faces the challenge of regaining his form and restoring his reputation on the professional circuit.
