OAKMONT, Pa. — The closest Sam Burns has ventured to a major championship victory up until now has been through his association with Scottie Scheffler, a close friend and three-time major champion. For the past few years, Burns has drawn inspiration from Scheffler’s success and now aims to join him in the realm of golf’s elite by claiming his first major title.
During a rain-soaked Saturday at the U.S. Open, Burns showcased resilience. He overcame a missed short par putt late in his round with a deft pitch resulting in a tap-in birdie. Additionally, Burns expertly maneuvered two challenging putts from within 60 feet to save par on the 18th hole at Oakmont, carding a 1-under 69. This effort positioned him a shot clear of seasoned major contenders Adam Scott and J.J. Spaun, with Viktor Hovland also hot on their heels as one of the four players under par.
Burns, currently boasting a score of 4-under 206, has five PGA Tour titles under his belt, the most recent being over two years ago. Despite suffering a playoff loss in last week’s Canadian Open, Burns is on the brink of becoming the sixth young American golfer to secure a first major title since 2020. Meanwhile, Scheffler’s recent accomplishments include victories in 19 events worldwide in the past three years, highlighting his triumphant outing at the PGA Championship last month.
“Scottie’s obviously an incredible player,” Burns commented with admiration. “We spend a lot of time together and to be able to learn from him and ask questions, it’s been really cool.” Scheffler’s success in majors often comes in dominant fashion, yet Sunday at Oakmont seemed unpredictable.
Adam Scott, who returned to the top 50 in the world last year and hasn’t challenged seriously in a major in the last seven years, joined a select group of players at par or better for the first three rounds at Oakmont. He closed out strongly with three birdies over his final six holes, securing a 67 that qualified him for the final group. Following Spaun’s bunker bogey on the 18th, which led to a round of 69, Scott stood as the only top-10 player with a major win, his noted triumph being the Masters a dozen years ago.
Reflecting on his position, Scott stated, “This doesn’t just happen by fluke; I’ve been working to feel like this player again. If tomorrow works out, it would be a huge milestone in my career.”
Spaun, who experienced a playoff in March’s Players Championship, engaged in a back-and-forth with Burns through the back nine, both showing commendable composure. “We kept going back and forth, exchanging leads at times,” Spaun shared. “But ultimately, it’s all about playing this course to its full demand.”
Viktor Hovland, maintaining a buoyant demeanor throughout the week, managed an impressive recovery after opening the round with a tee shot into the bushes. His display included precision shots that delighted the crowd and concluded with a respectable score that keeps him within reach at three back. Hovland indicated the possibility of making a mark with a low round on the final day.
Carlos Ortiz turned heads with a flawless 30-hole stretch free of bogeys, ending the day with a 67 and staying competitive at even-par 210.
Missing from the leading pack was Scottie Scheffler, who entered the U.S. Open as the world No. 1, riding high with recent tournament victories. Despite strategically making par saves, a miscue on a supposed easy putt turned his trajectory, resulting in a round of 70 and placing him eight shots back from Burns.
“I’ve put myself in this scenario,” Scheffler acknowledged, pushing to stay engaged in the competition despite not being in his desired position.
The third round concluded without too much interference from adverse weather, though Oakmont bore the brunt of an inch of rain on Friday evening. The course’s fairways and greens responded to the conditions, allowing for more receptive play and brief periods of sunshine amidst the showers. Burns contributed birdies with precise wedge and iron play, framing his strategy around careful course management and steady performance.
Back at their shared residence with Scheffler, the focus remained less on golf and more on casual conversations often distracted by children at play. “In the mornings we just hang out; there’s not much to discuss. Sam’s preparing for these big moments, and now he’s positioned himself to win,” Scheffler remarked, alluding to Burns’s readiness for the challenge ahead.