Wyndham Clark finds himself in a superb position to win the US Open after another composed round at Shinnecock Hills.
Clark enters the final round of the major championship on seven-under, with the American boasting a huge six-shot lead over four players, including Scottie Scheffler.
But the 2023 winner was embroiled in controversy during his third round of the event, when he was given relief after a wayward shot on the 17th hole.
Clark launched his ball into the fescue, where he was allowed to take a drop after it landed beside a camera stand.
After removing loose grass, he dropped the ball twice and it rolled back into the camera stand, allowing him to place the ball as he liked, which has attracted plenty of anger towards the USGA from many golf fans.
Wyndham Clark embroiled in US Open controversy in round three
Sharing frustration at the incident at Shinnecock Hills, one fan wrote on X: “Wyndham Clark hits his tee shot 100 yards left on #17 in a terrible spot then he just intentionally drops it so it comes back and he perfectly places his ball, basically zero disadvantage for shanking a tee shot, what a joke you are USGA.”
A second agreed, saying: “Wyndham Clark intentionally dropping the ball so it rolls backwards so he can place it in his preferred spot, then he’s picking up loose impediments before he drops LOL what are these rules?”
And many others concurred, noting: “Most generous ‘drop’ of all time for Wyndham” and “Anyone else just see Wyndham get to re-drop twice when both drops were clear of the obstruction?”
And the comments certainly didn’t end there, as others said: “Hey Clark. Do you need a silver platter for your ball? Good Lord,” and “How can Wyndham Clark pick stuff out of the way prior to dropping the ball?”
Another angry comment read: “That drop they gave Wyndham is criminal. Purposely dropping it back to the camera tower so you can place it on a tuft of grass. Come on.”
Unsurprisingly, the powers that be have come under particular fire, with another fan adding: “Wyndham Clark picks up his ball in the US Open for free relief and drops in a way so it moves twice and he can then place it. Now he has a great lie. What are we doing here USGA?”
And another agreed, noting: “Wyndham Clark going full lawn care service on that drop is egregious and the USGA should feel bad.”
Wyndham Clark did not break any rules at the US Open
Clark made the very most of the controversial situation at Shinnecock, chipping onto the green from his new lie and putting to save par on the 17th.
Importantly, however, he did not break any rules at the US Open, despite the fierce criticism going his way.
The American was given relief from the obstruction and he took it, with many of his fellow players likely to have made the exact same move.
Notably, however, it is not the first time he has found himself under the spotlight at the US Open, with Clark smashing the Oakmont lockers in frustration this time last year after missing the cut.
It’s the exact opposite story in terms of his position this time around, with Clark now set to play the final round with world number one Scheffler.
Read more: Wyndham Clark abused by fan despite leading the US Open in ‘disgusting’ incident
