Graeme McDowell backs down over comments on US Open star after vandalism claims
LIV Golf star Graeme McDowell has retracted remarks he posted on social media in relation to the vandalism allegations against Wyndham Clark, admitting his comments were "unfair".
Clark narrowly missed the cut at the US Open by just one stroke on Thursday and Friday, as numerous players contended with challenging conditions at the Oakmont Country Club. However, after lockers in the iconic dressing room at Oakmont were damaged in an apparent act of frustration, the 31-year-old was identified by some as the culprit.
In the midst of the controversy, McDowell, 45, took to his socials to voice support for Clark and hinted at an unnamed player who had allegedly engaged in comparable antics years ago.
"This is minimal regards what I've seen other players do. Players you would never expect. Oakmont will test any players mental fortitude. Seen it in person. Guess who? 2016," The Northern Irishman teased on X.
The 2010 US Open champion later walked back his earlier statements. "Just to clarify a couple of things from my tweet on Saturday," McDowell posted on Monday.
"No, I do not condone that type of behaviour and damaging property in historic sites like Oakmont. I'm sure Wyndham will pay for any damage and apologise to relevant people. I also believe sporting locker rooms are a sanctuary and what happens there, should stay there.
"The part when I said 'guess who' was unfair on my part because I would never out a fellow pro in that scenario. What happens in those private sporting areas is not for public consumption in my opinion."
The notoriously difficult Oakmont course saw some of golf's biggest names lose their cool, as J.J. Spaun secured his first major. However, none matched the severity of the allegations levelled at Clark after images of heavily damaged lockers in the clubhouse were shared online.
Tron Carter from No Laying Up cited 'multiple sources', claiming that Clark 'really got after it' in the locker room upon learning he missed the cut. The Nuclr Golf account also picked up on the post and stated: "Wyndham Clark allegedly damaged several lockers in the change room at Oakmont Country Club following a missed cut."
Clark's manager, Rob Mougey, did not respond to a request for comment. Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, also found himself in trouble at last month's PGA Championships after a wayward drive on the 16th led him to throw his driver at the advertising boards in anger, narrowly missing a course marshal.
He later apologised for the incident. "As professionals, we are expected to remain professional even when frustrated and I unfortunately let my emotions get the best of me," he posted on Instagram afterwards.
"My actions were uncalled for and completely inappropriate, making it clear that I have things I need to work on. I hold myself to a high standard, trying to always play for something bigger than myself, and yesterday I fell short of those standards.
"For that I am truly sorry. I promise to better the way I handle my frustrations on the course going forward, and hope you all can forgive me in due time."
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