Two-time US Open winner Wyndham Clark admitted he was in a “negative, dark place” after missing the cut at Oakmont a year ago and taking his frustrations out on a locker in the historic clubhouse.The American caused controversy when he damaged a century-old locker at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania at last year’s US Open.The 32-year-old felt Sunday’s victory at Shinnecock Hills, which added to his 2023 major breakthrough at LA Country Club, had redeemed him 12 months on.But he said it had been a tough time for him.Wyndham Clark celebrates with his girlfriend after winning his second major title (Gerald Herbert/AP) (AP)“After what happened at Oakmont was obviously the lowest point,” he said, with his world ranking having fallen from a career-high third to 29 after missing the cut a year ago.“People probably didn’t see what happened after, but you know, it was a really tough two, three days for me.“I was in a dark place, didn’t really go outside much. It was a really, negative, dark place.“At that moment I just felt a lot of my career, world ranking, reputation, everything just dwindling. That’s a terrible feeling.“I would say in that moment I definitely didn’t think I’d be here this year doing this.“But I did a lot of work in the off-season on my golf swing, on the things I needed to do. I would say as this year, I started hitting it better and started seeing the results, then yeah, I started gaining my confidence.”Results have been trending in the right direction and after winning the CJ Cup in May he finished third at The Memorial and joint-11th at the Canadian Open immediately before arriving on Long Island.But while his form may have been good the reception he received from fans in the final round was not as favourable, with every mistake cheered and resulting in local police intervening to eject a couple who were felt to have crossed the line.“They definitely didn’t want me to win. It’s pretty rare in an Open Championship or a major to have fans kind of boo against your shots or cheer for bad shots,” said Clark, who was playing alongside crowd favourite Scottie Scheffler as he chased the career grand slam.Not all of Wyndham Clark’s dealings with spectators were positive at Shinnecock Hills (George Walker IV/AP) (AP)“That was tough. But I’m proud of myself that I battled through. I mean, things really could have gotten away from me.“I’ve played now a Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup on foreign soil, and it kind of had that atmosphere a little bit.“I sure hope it closes the door on it. I figured in my mind that this would maybe be the last time just because it’s one year removed.“I’ll probably always get them, but I hope I don’t become the heel of the PGA.”