Sam Burns is navigating Oakmont's challenging fairways without incurring costs, positioning him as the frontrunner for the US Open as we head into the weekend.
Unleashing Sam Burns at Oakmont: The US Open Dark Horse
Sam Burns boldly strides into the weekend with a resolute mindset, armed with the knowledge that he can tame Oakmont's infamous greens. The memories of his bumpy opening round - culminating in a triple bogey and a double bogey - are somewhat forgotten, as he focuses on the five birdies that shone brightly earlier.
"I played exceptionally well yesterday, apart from the closing holes," Burns declared to the press after his round on Friday. "Today was all about getting mentally prepared to put together a solid round. I've been playing well lately, and I just want to get myself in contention at this course."
Friday's performance might just be the round of Burns' career. This challenging course - where only three players are under par through 36 holes - witnessed Burns firing a stellar 5-under 65, leaving him comfortably atop the leaderboard halfway through the tournament. He has never held a share of the lead at any major championship before this moment, and his score was only two shots away from Johnny Miller's course record 63 set in the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont [1].
Burns is a seasoned five-time PGA Tour winner, but a major top-10 finish has eluded him so far. Known for his stellar putting skills, Burns endured a disappointing week last week when his putter failed him at a crucial moment. On the first playoff hole of the RBC Canadian Open, Burns missed a five-foot putt to win the tournament, and on the second hole, he three-putted, eventually finishing in second place.
However, this week, there has been no sign of a hangover.
"Honestly, this course doesn't leave you much choice but to embrace the challenge," Burns explained Friday. "I believe you have to free up your game, and it's too hard to try and manipulate the ball around here. There will be shots that land in the rough, and you might as well hit them with authority."
Burns will start the weekend with a share of the lead, under the watchful eyes of the spectators at Oakmont. In stark contrast to Friday, when the biggest crowds paused only to observe Scottie Scheffler's group, this time, the attention will be solely on Burns.
Scheffler and Burns share a close bond, often traveling together on tour, but it is Scheffler who usually hogs the limelight. Yet, this week, Scheffler found himself answering questions about his buddy after his round was over.
"Sam plays golf with an unbridled freedom, and he has extraordinary natural instincts when it comes to his putting," Scheffler shared. "A lot of it is just instinctive. He's got great fundamentals, an instinct for putting, and he puts with an instinctive approach. That's about it, as simple as that."
The lesson Burns learned from his ninth-place finish at Pinehurst No. 2 last year is crucial. It's a counterintuitive strategy, especially on such a large stage, but Burns emphasized his approach to allow Oakmont to reveal its beastly nature.
"I've tried to play too perfectly and forced it at times," Burns admitted. "So, I've been attempting to be patient and take what the golf course offers me."
Oakmont has so far rewarded players who embrace its challenging nature. It has a history of humbling those who try to dominate this beast of a course. Take Thriston Lawrence, for example. After three straight birdies on Friday, Lawrence allowed his confidence to propel him, swinging aggressively and hunting for big drives. Oakmont, however, welcomed him with three consecutive bogeys, followed by more mishaps, culminating in a double bogey.
This course outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is not offering many rewards this week - certainly not forgiveness for mistakes. Burns' short game, and his adaptability, are helping him surge towards the top.
"Look, this course is incredibly tough, and you'll find yourself out of position frequently and in tricky situations," he said. " Being able to rely on your short game and giving yourself a chance at par is vital."
The question now, as Saturday approaches, is how long Burns can maintain his lead. Eleven of the last twelve U.S. Open champions were in the top five after the first two rounds [3].
Burns remains unfazed.
"It's a 72-hole golf tournament, and if you can get a round under par out here, no matter if it's just 1-under, you'll take it," he said, adding, "I'm looking forward to the weekend."
His friend Scheffler hinted at the fierce determination brewing beneath Burns' calm exterior.
"Sam is one of those guys, he's like me in a sense that he's a highly competitive person," Scheffler said. "I think everyone dreams of having a chance to win these tournaments, and he's put himself in position a few times at majors, and he's in position again."
[1] USGA - U.S. Open Championship Leaderboard
[2] ESPN - Sam Burns Profile
[3] Golf - U.S. Open: What We Learned Through Two Rounds
[4] PGA Tour - Sam Burns career statistics
"Sam Burns exhibits his prowess in golf, particularly in the sport of golf, as he demonstrates exceptional skill on the greens, showcasing his remarkable putting skills."
"His determination to contend at Oakmont, the US Open's challenging course, is evident, as he aims to tame its infamous greens over the weekend in the pursuit of a major championship win."
