Wyndham Clark made one of the most talked-about moments of the RBC Canadian Open on Saturday at TPC Toronto, using the 14th hole’s “The Rink” as a stage for a playful celebration of Team USA’s recent hockey victory over Canada. Clark, who was tied for second after shooting a third-round 63, wore a Team USA men’s hockey sweater with Jack Hughes’ name on it while playing the par-3 hole, drawing loud boos from the Canadian galleries.
The moment was especially pointed because the sweater represented the U.S. win over Canada in the gold medal game at this year’s Olympics, a result that made Hughes a hero for Team USA. Clark admitted he had wanted to bring a USA hockey jersey to the event but could not get one shipped to Canada in time. On Thursday, when he first saw the “The Rink” setup, he realized he had missed his chance to stage the gesture properly. The idea took shape the next day, when he noticed a fan wearing the Hughes sweater and asked whether he could buy it.
Clark said he planned to return the jersey to the fan after the tournament. He stressed that the gesture was meant as a lighthearted nod to the U.S. hockey win rather than a slight against Canada, though he understood why it stirred up the crowd in hockey-crazed Canada. “I got a ton of boos,” he said, adding that he simply thought the moment would be fun in that setting.
The reaction from spectators was intense but also good-natured. Clark’s tee shot on No. 14 finished just four feet from the cup, and he rolled in the birdie putt as the boos continued around him. He said the pressure made the shot feel even bigger because a miss would have made the celebration look awkward. Instead, he converted the putt and walked away with a memorable birdie and a memorable response from the crowd.
Clark noted that some fans later complimented his nerve, telling him he had “stones” for making the gesture under pressure. He said the exchange was all in good fun and part of the atmosphere of a big international-style event. The scene added another layer to a strong day for Clark, whose third-round 63 moved him into contention as the leaders were still early in their rounds.
The RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto also featured attention on tee times and broadcast coverage for the PGA Tour event, but Clark’s jersey stunt became one of the day’s defining storylines. His mix of strong play and crowd engagement underscored the energy around the tournament and the rivalry theme that resonated with Canadian fans.
