express
Wyndham Clark was left astonished when Donald Trump called him after his U.S. Open triumph, with the two-time major champion taken aback by the President's thorough golf acumen.
Clark clinched his second U.S. Open title in June, holding off Sam Burns and Scottie Scheffler at Shinnecock Hills.
Not long after lifting the trophy, he got a call from the White House, and the 32-year-old was amazed by the depth of his conversation with Trump.
The President is a well-known golf fanatic, often taking time away from his duties to play or watch tournaments, and the 80-year-old is set to be at Medinah Country Club on Sunday to see the final round of the Presidents Cup.
Trump, in keeping with tradition, has been named honorary chairman of the event, which will see Brandt Snedeker's Team USA take on Geoff Ogilvy's Internationals.
During his pre-tournament press conference, Clark was asked about his chat with Trump, which the world No. 5 called "one of the coolest" experiences of his life, particularly because of the President's love for the game.
"Regardless of what people think about any president at the given time, to have the most powerful man in the world to call you after you win something is pretty amazing," Clark said.
"He was so complimentary, just saying how good I played. Honestly, it was amazing. He knew every shot. He was like 'This up-and-down on this hole, this up-and-down on this hole was amazing.' He really said a bunch of nice things. That was definitely one of the coolest calls of my life."
While Trump's presence at Medinah may draw criticism from opponents, American players have voiced their excitement about his attendance.
Clark commented: "Being an American and having the president of the United States coming to watch you play golf is something that as a kid you don't ever imagine or fathom happening. I just think it's pretty amazing. He's our commander-in-chief, and it's definitely going to be really exciting on Sunday."
Team captain Snedeker has paired Clark with Collin Morikawa for Thursday's four-ball session. The duo will face Ryan Fox and Adam Scott in the fourth match, starting at 1:29 p.m. ET.
Clark admitted he will feel pre-shot nerves when his turn comes, especially with the out-of-bounds hazard lining Medinah's first hole.
"They always talk about the first tee shot at a Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup, and it's already nerve-racking," he said. "Then you have out-of-bounds two yards off the fairway .. For them to add out of bounds right there, now it becomes kind of an iconic hole. It's going to be fun on the first few holes."
Originally reported by express.