What did analysts say about the Long Island crowd?

Golf Channel analyst Eamon Lynch heavily criticized the fans, calling them a stain on the game and suggesting that future majors, like the 2033 PGA Championship at Bethpage, should be moved.

BettingBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamJun 24, 2026, 5:03 AM ET

Wyndham Clark Defies Hostile Shinnecock Hills Crowd to Claim Second U.S. Open Title

Wyndham Clark overcame a rowdy Long Island crowd and a chasing Scottie Scheffler to secure his second U.S. Open, proving his elite major pedigree.

Wyndham Clark's march to his second U.S. Open title at Shinnecock Hills was anything but a quiet walk in the park. Facing a highly partisan and occasionally hostile Long Island crowd, Clark weathered relentless booing and heckling to secure the historic trophy. The gallery was firmly behind his Sunday playing partner, Scottie Scheffler, who was chasing a career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday. Yet, despite the intense pressure, vocal opposition, and difficult course conditions, Clark proved his elite mettle on one of golf's toughest stages.

The Long Island Crowd Controversy

The behavior of the fans at Shinnecock Hills has ignited a fierce debate across the golf world. Several spectators were ejected during Sunday's final round for berating Clark. Golf Channel analyst Eamon Lynch did not hold back, calling the local fans "a stain on the game of golf" and arguing that the PGA of America should strip Bethpage of the 2033 PGA Championship, suggesting golf needs to adopt an Augusta National model of zero tolerance. Even Scheffler, who is currently priced at +455 (Pinnacle), admitted the atmosphere crossed a line. "The crowd was tough today," Scheffler noted. "I think sometimes it can get a little too much."

Much of the crowd's animosity toward Clark stemmed from his past actions, including a locker room outburst at Oakmont after missing the cut the previous year. Clark acknowledged his past mistakes after the victory, saying, "Some of it is self-deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret. I've been sorry multiple times and I'm still sorry, so hopefully I can win you guys over eventually." However, the hostile environment also targeted other top players, including Rory McIlroy, who is currently valued at +757 (Pinnacle) and faced similar crowd negativity.

Bettors Should Focus on Clark's Pedigree

While the media focuses on fan behavior, smart bettors should look at Clark's undeniable major pedigree. Winning a second U.S. Open under extreme psychological duress solidifies him as an elite big-game competitor. Currently offered at +3770 (Pinnacle), Clark has shown he can block out the noise and execute when the pressure is highest. Rather than worrying about popularity contests, backing a proven two-time major champion when the market underestimates him remains a sharp play. His ability to win wire-to-wire in such a pressure cooker proves his resilience.

Compare the odds

U.S. Open odds →Wyndham Clark Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy

FAQ

Why did the crowd boo Wyndham Clark at the U.S. Open?: The crowd's hostility stemmed from Clark's past actions, including a locker room outburst at Oakmont after missing the cut the previous year, as well as fans pulling for his playing partner Scottie Scheffler.
What did analysts say about the Long Island crowd?: Golf Channel analyst Eamon Lynch heavily criticized the fans, calling them a stain on the game and suggesting that future majors, like the 2033 PGA Championship at Bethpage, should be moved.