Oakmont bans Clark over damage

Former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark won’t be allowed back at Oakmont Country Club until he pays to fix the locker he damaged and gets counseling for his anger. Golf Digest obtained a letter that club president John Lynch sent to Oakmont members this week about the incident during last month’s U.S. Open, when Clark smashed up his locker out of frustration. Media weren’t allowed in the locker room, but a photo was leaked and went viral. “Following discussions with the USGA and OCC Board, a decision has been made that Mr. Clark will no longer be permitted on OCC property,” the letter said. “Reinstatement would be contingent upon Mr. Clark fulfilling a number of specific conditions, including full repayment for damages, a meaningful contribution to a charity of the Board’s choosing, and the successful completion of counseling and/or anger management sessions.” Oakmont, located near Pittsburgh, is scheduled to host the U.S. Open for a 10th time in 2033. Clark has already apologized for the incident and, according to Oakmont, he has offered to pay for repairs.

MLB celebrates Aaron, record HR

Major League Baseball honored late Hall of Famer Hank Aaron by recreating his record-breaking 715th home run through the use of projection mapping and pyrotechnics. The lights went down at Truist Park and fans stood holding their cell phone lights following the sixth inning of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game. The scene from April 8, 1974 at old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was projected on the infield and also shown on the video board. The high-tech images of Aaron and other players were seen on the Truist Park infield before a blaze of a fireball launched from home plate to signify the homer that pushed Aaron past Babe Ruth’s record of 714 homers. Aaron’s widow, Billye Aaron, stood and waved as the cheers from the sellout crowd of 41,702 grew louder. NL players warmed up for the game in batting practice jerseys with Aaron’s No. 44 on the back. Aaron hit 755 home runs from 1954-76, a mark that stood until Barry Bonds reached 762 in 2007 during baseball’s steroid era. Still a record-holder in multiple categories, Aaron was elected to the Hall in 1982.

Late-stage crash no issue for Pogacar

Tour de France favorite Tadej Pogacar crashed near the finish while Norwegian rider Jonas Abrahamsen won the 11th stage on Wednesday that concluded in Toulouse, France. Pogacar, the three-time champion, crashed with 2.4 miles remaining after hitting the wheel of Tobias Johannessen in front. His rivals for the general classification slowed down so he could get back on his bike and rejoin them. Pogacar, who was able to reattach the chain on his otherwise undamaged bike, thanked them for waiting. “All good, all good,” Pogacar said over the UAE Team Emirates XRG radio. “Respect to the peloton, respect to everybody.” Johannessen apologized as he felt responsible. Abrahamsen, who attacked from the start, beat Swiss rider Mauro Schmid in a photo finish. It was Abrahamsen’s first stage win at the Tour and the first in this race for his team, Uno-X Mobility. Ben Healy, only the fourth Irish rider ever to hold the yellow jersey, still leads overall by 29 seconds over Pogacar. The Tour starts tackling the Pyrenees on Stage 12, a 112.2-mile hike from Auch to Hautacam. —Associated Press