Wyndham Clark worried about lack of US Open fans: 'Unfortunate'

As Wyndham Clark reaches the closing stages at Shinnecock Hills on Sunday, he hopes he already has one hand at his second US Open title. He hopes that there are fans out there who will witness his moment of greatness, maybe even cheer him on.

Saturday evening in Shinnecock, that was not the case.

In a strange incident confirmed by GOLF reporters on site, a distinct lack of spectators and a quiet atmosphere greeted Clark as he got his six-shot, 54-hole finish in the dark hours of Saturday's third round.

In his press conference after Saturday evening's round, Clark called the small number of spectators “unfortunate,” said the “flat” crowd made it difficult for him to focus and announced his desire that on Sunday evening, the scene at 18 be changed.

Wyndham Clark on losing US Open fans: 'People weren't really there'

Whether you've attended the big races in person or watched them on TV at home, you're used to seeing crowds of spectators lining the fairways and greens as you follow the leaders on the weekend.

But Saturday evening at Shinnecock Hills, the crowds were much smaller than usual. Perhaps the leaders' late times were a factor (Clark closed at 3:45 pm ET and finished after 8 pm ET). The operational difficulties of getting to and from the course, including dependence on train schedules, may also require some credit.

Whatever the cause, anyone watching Saturday's TV broadcast could see firsthand what was happening. The picture below of Clark on Saturday evening 17 green, with empty seats in the grandstand and a small number of fans standing around it, is proof.

After his round, Clark was asked about a few of the crowds following his team, and he responded that it was “unfortunate” and that the crowd's energy was “flat.”

“Yeah, it was unfortunate that we finished in the dark and people weren't really there because there were key moments, big moments, and there was a small apartment, yeah, unfortunately,” Clark said Saturday.

He added: “I hope there are a lot of fans tomorrow and so on, but for me it's still very important, and I still feel that moment, maybe it's just unfortunate that not all the people were there.”

Later in his press conference, a reporter asked Clark if he remembered ever playing in front of a small crowd in a big venue.

Clark initially answered “No” before correcting himself with a joke, “I mean, yeah, I actually can when I'm in, like, the 50th place or something.”

“But yeah, no, it's a little unfortunate, I don't know if it's because we've been away for so long or what, but it's okay. I'm still happy to be where I am, and I'm not really focused on that part.

Another thing missing from Clark's march to a six-goal lead on Saturday? It roars. The lack of fans led to a lack of thunderous applause at big moments in the round.

To make matters worse, the lack of support Clark received made the taunts of the fans who opposed him echoed in the television audience.

Clark's sophisticated reputation, stemming largely from his attack on the historic locks at Oakmont in last year's US Open, didn't help.

Clark struggled to stay 'focused' because 'everyone was moving'

According to Clark, the quiet atmosphere at Shinnecock on Saturday didn't just bother him, it may have affected his game. Some players fade under the added pressure of playing in front of thousands of fans. But Clark said Saturday he's succeeding.

“Yeah, I like the energy. I like making a big putt and feeling that or hitting a good shot and clapping,” Clark said. “So it was unfortunate that it got a small flat.”

He said that at times when he was closing in on the final holes in Round 3, “it seemed like everyone was going,” which forced him to work hard to stay focused.

“And, because of that, sometimes it made it hard to stay really focused because it seemed like everybody was leaving, and it was like the tournament was over, and I had to keep myself really focused and in the moment,” Clark said.

He then revealed that despite his efforts, his focus faltered towards the end of his round, which contributed to bogeys at 15 and 18.

“I didn't do my best,” Clark said. “I made a kind of two poor boxes that fit in.”

Although Clark has a six-shot lead, he will have the likes of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is chasing him in the final round, so he hopes the fans will come out strong Sunday at Shinnecock.

“I hope there are people tomorrow and a good atmosphere.”

The timing of the last round should help. Clark and Scheffler exit the final round of the US Open on Sunday at 2:30 pm ET, one hour and 15 minutes before Clark exits on Saturday.