New York golf fans should be ashamed of themselves.
Their treatment of Wyndham Clark as he battled to win the US Open for a second time was nothing short of disgraceful. With the pressure on, Clark played a series of loose shots and found them being cheered by a significant number of moronic spectators. This is not the game I know and love.
It has to be said that Clark has done himself few favours with his behaviour on and off the course. At last year’s tournament at Oakmont he smashed a locker in a fit of temper after missing the cut and was banned from the club. He has since made his peace with the club but it was clear that the fans have not forgotten.
He also angrily broke his driver during last year’s US PGA Championship. The 32-year-old American has made no secret of his battles with his temperament and has sought help.
You will remember how badly the New York fans treated Europe’s golfers at last year’s Ryder Cup and it tells you everything you need to know that in the immediate aftermath of his second US Open success, Clark was forced to address the behaviour of the spectators at Shinnecock Hills.
Even his playing partner Scottie Scheffler, who was attempting to secure the Career Grand Slam, said: "The crowd was tough. New Yorkers are tough people. Sometimes it can get a little too much when balls are going off greens and you start hearing cheers. That felt a bit much to me.
"It shows a lot about Wyndham, how he handled not only this golf course but the crowd as well and he is a well-deserving champion."
Clark was openly jeered throughout his final round as he let a six-shot lead slip. A huge number of fans loudly celebrated his bogey on the seventh, while others were ejected from the course because of their hostility towards him.
Clark said: "New York didn't really like me. I get it. 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. Hopefully I can win you guys over eventually. I get it. They were rooting for Scottie.
"Last year was so tough, a terrible year. I left [last year's US Open at Oakmont] in a shambles. It's amazing what a year can do. I'm leaving here as a champion and I'm just so blessed."
Let’s get something straight. Clark deserved to win. He played flawless golf on Thursday and Friday and on Saturday he produced a masterclass in scrambling as he shot a 70. He also putted quite brilliantly.
You will know that I am not a fan of boorish behaviour within the professional game and Clark has been guilty of that.
But what I witnessed from the spectators at Shinnecock Hills has no place in our sport. I fully understand that many of those in attendance were rooting for Scheffler but there is a way to behave, and this was not it.
I also have to say that I was struck by how relatively sparse the galleries were for the third major of the year.
We now move to Royal Birkdale next month for The Open Championship and I can absolutely guarantee one thing - no matter who wins, no matter who is in contention coming down the stretch in the final round, the British fans will treat everybody fairly.
