Sam Burns arrived at Oakmont, Pennsylvania, with a clear understanding of the challenges the course presents. After a tough opening round marred by three bogeys and a double bogey, he shifted his focus to the five birdies he achieved earlier in the round. “I played really well yesterday other than the finishing holes,” Burns stated, emphasizing his mental preparation for the rounds ahead.
On Friday, Burns delivered an impressive performance, shooting a 5-under 65, placing him at the forefront of the U.S. Open as it reached the halfway mark. This remarkable round marks his first time leading at this stage in a major championship and left him just two shots from the course record of 63 set by Johnny Miller in 1973.
Despite being a five-time PGA Tour winner, Burns has only cracked the top 10 in a major once, during last year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst. Known for his exceptional putting skills, Burns recently faced a setback, missing a crucial putt during a playoff at the RBC Canadian Open. However, he has shifted his focus this week, showing no signs of lingering disappointment.
Burns reflected on the unique challenges of Oakmont, where playing with confidence while accepting the course’s difficulties is essential. He remarked, “It’s too hard to try to guide it around here. You’re going to hit some in the rough…you might as well do it with authority.” As he heads into the weekend sharing the lead, all eyes will be on him, especially since he often plays alongside his friend and top-ranked golfer, Scottie Scheffler.
Scheffler praised Burns, noting his natural instincts and strong fundamentals in putting, highlighting that Burns approaches the game with a free and reactive mindset. This week, Burns has been focusing on patience and allowing the course to dictate his play rather than trying to force it.
Oakmont has shown to be a formidable challenge for many players, making Burns’ strategic approach to play within his limits essential for success. Thriston Lawrence of South Africa also experienced the course’s unforgiving nature, starting strong before facing a series of bogeys, illustrating the need for a calculated game.
With history suggesting that most U.S. Open champions are in the top five after two rounds, Burns finds himself in an advantageous position. Underlining his calm demeanor, he stated, “It’s a 72-hole golf tournament, and if you can get a round under par out here…you’ll take it.” His competitive spirit, as noted by Scheffler, adds another dynamic as Burns prepares for the final rounds, instilling a sense of excitement for what could unfold over the weekend.