Wyndham Clark admits it felt like NOBODY wanted him to win US Open as he fought with popular duo Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler in Los Angeles for victory
- Wyndham Clark was the surprise US Open winner in Los Angeles last week
- Clark held off Rory McIlroy on the final day to record his first Major victory
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Wyndham Clark said he was inspired to victory by the US Open by the feeling that nobody wanted him to win the tournament last week in Los Angeles.
The 29-year-old was a surprise winner, fending off Rory McIlroy on the final day and before that, Rickie Fowler.
Speaking to the Fore Play podcast, Clark spoke of his respect for his illustrious rivals but relished the chance to show he belonged in the mix with them.
Clark said: ‘Everyone wanted Rickie. ‘It was really cool to be part of it – he’s a California-based guy and everyone wanted him.
‘I fueled a little fire in me, gave me a chip on the shoulder – man, nobody is even rooting for me. I am going to show these guys, they are going to be wanting to say my name at the end of the tournament and tournaments to come.
Wyndham Clark said it felt at times like nobody wanted him to win the US Open last week
Clark believes he is ‘one of, if not the best player in the world’ after his first Major victory
Clark’s win meant that runner-up Rory McIlroy now hasn’t won a Major for nine years
‘I view myself as one of the best, if not the best player in the world and I know I can beat these guys. It has been frustrating in the last few years that I haven’t been able to show that.
‘I love to compete, I love winning, I love to win. Putting myself in that situation you know, it was just amazing.
‘I am proud of myself that I am thriving in those situations rather than turning down form it.’
Clark won $3.6m in prizemoney along with one of golf’s most prestigious pieces of silverware and has moved up to 13th in the world rankings.
His victory meant that Fowler’s wait for his first Major continues, while McIlroy’s wait for his fifth goes on. It is now nine years since the Northern Irishman won his fourth and most recent – the 2014 PGA Championship.
He shot level par on his fourth round in Los Angeles, consigning him to the runner-up place against Clark while Fowler ended the tournament tied fifth after a strong start.
Clark returns to action this week at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.