“This is only my second win on the PGA Tour. The first was unreal, but this is also unreal,” said Clark, who had not survived the cut after two days in his two previous US Open appearances. “Even though I haven't quite realized it yet. When I walked into the last hole, I got very emotional. It's been a whirlwind the last five or six weeks. So I'm very happy to be here.”
Clark posted a birdie 70 on Sunday for a total of 270 (10 under par). Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy needed one more hit and finished second. American Scottie Scheffler, ranked first in the world, came in third place.
Clark's win looked in jeopardy in the final stage, after bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes, but he recovered with two strokes on the final two holes. Clark made a difference on day one. Then he needed only 64 strokes in his round.
The surprise winner dedicated the win to his mother, who died ten years ago. “I felt my mom looking over my shoulder today. You couldn't be here, but I miss you, mom. I felt like it was my turn.”
McIlroy would have won his first major in nine years. In 2014 he won the British Open and the US PGA Championship.
