Sam Burns Aims for First Major Championship at U.S. Open
OAKMONT, Pa. — Sam Burns is taking significant steps in his golfing journey, inspired by close friend Scottie Scheffler, who has already claimed three major titles. With his eye on victory, Burns is eager to join the ranks of major champions.
Burns showed resilience on Saturday at the U.S. Open, bouncing back after a missed par putt. He made a remarkable pitch for a birdie and saved par on the 18th hole, finishing with a score of 1-under 69. This put him one shot ahead of veteran player Adam Scott and J.J. Spaun, while Viktor Hovland remains in the hunt as well.
Currently sitting at 4-under 206, Burns, 28, from Louisiana, has won five titles on the PGA Tour. His last victory was over two years ago, but he recently faced a playoff loss at the Canadian Open, making this moment even more significant for him.
“Scottie’s an incredible player, for sure,” Burns remarked. “We spend a lot of time together. Learning from him has been really cool.”
Scheffler’s three major wins have been convincing, but Sunday’s round at Oakmont looks to be a competitive one.
Adam Scott, who is back in the top 50 after a lengthy absence, put forth a strong performance, birdying three of his last six holes for a score of 67. He has not won a major since 2013 but is the only player among the top ten with a previous championship to his name.
“Getting into these positions doesn’t happen by chance,” Scott commented. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt like this player, but I’m always working towards it.”
J.J. Spaun, who nearly claimed a title in March, kept pace with Burns until the final holes. He showed composure under pressure, with only two bogeys on the back nine.
“It felt like we were exchanging leads,” Spaun said. “You can’t focus just on your opponent; you have to play the course.”
Viktor Hovland also managed to stay competitive, demonstrating resilience despite a challenging course. He managed to save par after an early mistake and made impressive shots later in his round, finishing with a score of 70, trailing Burns by three strokes.
Carlos Ortiz had a remarkable run, going 30 holes without a bogey before it ended on the 18th, rounding off a good day with a score of 67.
However, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler struggled to find his rhythm. After a decent start, a missed tap-in on the eighth hole proved crucial, leaving him eight shots behind Burns.
“I’ve put myself in a tough spot,” Scheffler acknowledged. “But I’m hanging in there and staying in the game.”
The good news for the U.S. Open was that the third round was completed without weather delays. Oakmont saw heavy rain that impacted the course, making conditions softer and requiring spectators to brave the mud.
As for Burns, his key to success has been making crucial par saves after challenging shots off the tee.
“While I didn’t drive well, I managed to get back on the fairway, allowing me opportunities to save par,” he explained, noting his focus on maintaining momentum.
As he prepares for the final round, Burns will spend the night at Scheffler’s. Their conversation will likely shift from golf to family, reflecting a friendly bond that supports their journeys.
“All we do is hang out, and there will be kids running around,” Scheffler said. “Sam has been preparing for moments like this, and he’s put himself in a great position to contest for the title.”
