Contender Sam Burns Stands Slimly Ahead Ahead of Final Round, Boasting an Unexpected Standing in the US Open Leaderboard
Informal, Approachable Rewrite:
FLOODGATES OPEN AT OAKMONT: SUDDENLY, ANYTHING'S POSSIBLE ON SUNDAY
OAKMONT, Pa. - Boy, oh boy, the U.S. Open at Oakmont had been building up to a grand finale, chock-full of top-tier talent and legendary names. But as the final round dawns on Sunday, it ain't quite as star-studded as the TV networks or Oakmont regulars had envisioned.
This place has been spoiled by its U.S. Open winners. Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Johnny Miller, and Larry Nelson, just to name a few, have all etched their names into Oakmont's rich history. Ernie Els and Dustin Johnson even claimed their U.S. Open titles here.
Folks figured it'd be another spectacular show this year, what with the likes of Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy potentially joining the club of Oakmont champions.
But you know what? It's not all about the big names and their fancy pedigrees.
Sam Burns, who blew everyone away with his 65 on Friday and backed it up with a 69 on Saturday, has his sights set on his own life-changing victory. He's leading the pack at 4-under par, one stroke ahead of the competition.
When he learned there have been seven first-time major winners at Oakmont, Burns said, "That would be unbelievable!" Burns has been dreaming about major victories since he was a kid.
Burns and Scheffler are like bros, sharing rental homes during tournaments, and Burns has been picking Scheffler's brain on major championship success. We'll see if it pays off on Sunday.
J.J. Spaun, who's been hanging tough after each round and just won't go away, is in it to win it too. He's 3-under par, one shot back after shooting 69.
"I'm just thrilled I'm in the hunt," Spaun said. "This is the best I've played throughout my career. This is my first time being in contention in a major, and it's a blast."
Adam Scott, the 44-year-old venerable pro who hasn't claimed a tournament win since 2020, won't let a little thing like age stop him.
He's just one shot off the lead at 3-under par after a stellar 67, chasing his second career major, 12 years after his first (the 2013 Masters).
"A lot can happen in 18 holes out here," Scott said. "But I'm enjoying what I've done so far."
Viktor Hovland, who's come close in major championships but hasn't yet scored a win, isn't stepping back either. He's three shots behind Burns at 1-under par, following a 70.
"I know I've got a shot on Sunday," Hovland said. "If I play awesome golf, anything can happen. But there are some great players around me, and I don't expect Sam or J.J. to slip up. They're solid golfers. That means I'll need to play some incredible golf on Sunday."
Hovland believes his near misses in major championships have prepared him for the challenge ahead.
"I think I've grown a lot since then," Hovland said. "I've seen a lot more ups and downs, and I know what it takes to win a major championship. Now, I feel like I'm way better equipped."
Carlos Ortiz, who's competing in his 162nd career tournament, doesn't plan to back down. He's even par for the championship and is four shots behind Burns after a 67.
Thriston Lawrence, who struggled to find his footing this year, might just surprise everyone. He's 1-over-par, five shots off the lead.
Tyrrell Hatton, the lone LIV Golf player still in the running, won't let the pressure get to him either. With six career top 10 finishes in major championships, he's also 1-over par and five shots back after shooting 68 on Saturday.
"Winning majors doesn't depend on whether you've won them before," Hatton said. "When it's your day, you gotta believe you can beat anyone and compete with the best."
Sam Burns, leading the U.S. Open at Oakmont with a 4-under par, is aiming for his life-changing first major victory, following in the footsteps of seven first-time major winners at Oakmont. Tennis fan Tyrrell Hatton, the only LIV Golf player still in contention, believes victory isn't just about sports-betting favorites or established golfers; anyone can rise to the occasion in this sport.
