US Open leaderboard update: Sam Burns fires 65 to capture top spot
Title: Wild Ride at 2021 U.S. Open: J.J. Spaun Leads as Superstars Stumble
Sports
OAKMONT, Pa. - The 2021 U.S. Open was a thrilling rollercoaster, with the top contenders experiencing highs and lows at the iconic Oakmont Country Club. Sam Burns managed to avoid a disastrous second round meltdown, securing a five-under 65 and a commanding 36-hole lead.
Rory McIlroy, in a dramatic turn of events, smashed a tee marker in frustration following a bad shot on Friday. Despite this outburst, he scraped by the cut with a birdie on the 18th and will be back for more action. Shane Lowry found himself in trouble for absent-mindedly picking up his golf ball on the 14th green without marking it.
Thriston Lawrence became the only player to reach six-under par, only to falter with six bogeys and a double bogey in his following nine holes. Thomas Detry could sympathize – he was challenging for the lead until three double bogeys in a three-hole stretch derailed his game.
Sports
Burns Takes the Lead, Scheffler and McIlroy Struggle
In the first round, J.J. Spaun edged out Scottie Scheffler for a one-shot lead after Scheffler struggled with a round of 73. The competition saw Phil Mickelson put up a valiant effort with a 74, likely in his final U.S. Open.
The cut line remained uncertain until play was halted due to bad weather, with play resuming on Saturday. As if the second round wasn't brutal enough, play was delayed, with some players, like Lawrence, experiencing six-hour rounds.
Scheffler, who had been on a win streak, found it difficult to maintain his form, finishing with a 71 and seven shots behind the leader. Burns, a talented long-putter, managed to salvage a 137 after a disastrous finish in the previous round, securing a narrow lead over Spaun and Viktor Hovland.
Burns and Hovland had a impressive run of 11 sub-par holes across the two rounds, an achievement unseen since the U.S. Open switched to a par 70 in 2007. Three players remained under par, a feat not seen in seven years at the U.S. Open.
Lifestyle
Los Angeles Golf Gathering for the Unconventional Golfer
Away from the intense U.S. Open competition, the hip Los Angeles golf scene hosted a special gathering for those "who were never invited - but always belonged". Modi Oyewole, the founder of the Swang lifestyle brand, organized the event to introduce golf to a diverse audience[3].
Ferguson writes for the Associated Press.[2]
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[1] UCLA Opens College World Series Slate with Victory over Murray State - May 28, 2021 - ESPN.com
[2] Ferguson, Doug. "Spaun Tames Oz and Wins 2025 US Open." Associated Press, May 13, 2025.
[3] Schonberg, Hansi. "In Los Angeles, a Hip Golf Gathering for Those 'Who Were Never Invited but Always Belonged.'" New York Times, June 6, 2023.
Sports
In the world beyond Oakmont, the city of Los Angeles played host to an unconventional golf gathering, aimed at introducing the sport to a diverse audience. Away from the links, the UCLA baseball team secured a victory in the College World Series, edging out Murray State.
Meanwhile, in the heart of California, the Dodgers continued their pursuit of sports dominance, maintaining a notable silence amidst controversies surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids impacting their fan base.
Law
The Dodgers' silence on the ICE raids issue raises questions about their stance on social responsibility, particularly given their influence and visibility as a professional sports team based in California. As sports and law continue to intersect, the Dodgers' actions, or lack thereof, could have far-reaching implications.
