Il Nuovo Postiglione - Clark wants to win back fans as well as US Open title

Clark fired a one-under par 69 to grab a four-stroke lead on seven-under 133 at windy Shinnecock on Friday.

The 2023 US Open champion says he hopes to capture a measure of redemption this week after smashing a locker in the historic clubhouse at Oakmont last year following a missed US Open cut.

"I've gotten a lot of grief since last year, rightfully so. The thing that's unfortunate is that's not who I am, what happened last year," Clark said Friday.

"I'm hoping I can win back the fans that I had or some new fans because it was a terrible incident."

The 32-year-old American was banned from Oakmont until undergoing anger management therapy or counseling and paying for repairs and making a charity contribution.

"That was a really challenging time and something I've deeply regretted and feel awful that I did that," Clark said earlier this week.

"But there were so many good lessons in that that really taught me a bunch. I've really come a long way and I'm excited for this year's Open for some redemption and to move forward."

As much as Clark wants to display his shotmaking skills, he wants to put himself forward as a person.

"I really feel like I can show people that I'm fun and outgoing. I'm fierce, competitive, love the game, respect the game, and I just had a bad moment," Clark said.

"I definitely feel like I'm in a better place. Hopefully a great weekend and great rest of the year, maybe I'll gain all those fans back."

Clark felt "on top of the world" after his first major victory at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023 and had good years followed by bad.

"Next thing you know I'm apologizing for breaking a locker," he said.

"With the mental game there's ebbs and flows. If you think of it as climbing Everest, sometimes you go up, sometimes you have to go down to go back up.

"That's kind of what happens both on the golf course and off the golf course. Right now I'm trending back up, which is nice."

- Didn't feel had best -

He was hoping to be at least 10-under entering the weekend, a lofty goal given the history of punishing US Open courses and the notorious Shinnecock winds.

"My goal was to try to get to 10 or 11," Clark said. "I really felt like I could be in double digits, but the great thing about that is I didn't feel like I had my best, and I still am leading. Hopefully I can bring my A-game on the weekend."

Clark plans to lean on his major triumph and his victory in a PGA event last month in Texas.

"Definitely will lean on that. I'll lean also on Byron Nelson, going out there at CJ Cup and playing good and just keep it going and not pedal to the metal," Clark said.

"Momentum is a huge thing in golf, and I feel like I have it right now. Just keep it going. Keep pushing that momentum ball down the hill."

H.Zampino--INP