Sam Burns currently leads the U.S. Open at Oakmont after 54 holes, with tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler struggling to make a move up the leaderboard as the final round approaches
Sam Burns is the solo leader at the U.S. Open as the final round beckons(Image: Getty Images)
Sam Burns surprisingly holds the clubhouse lead as we head into the final round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont, sitting at four under, while many of golf’s top players continue to struggle.
The anticipation leading up to the 125th U.S. Open Championship was clouded by concerns that the Pennsylvania course’s deep rough and challenging greens would, as always, prove difficult to conquer. Those who expressed skepticism were proven right.
As Sunday’s final round rapidly approaches, only four players have managed to score under par, with notable names like Rory McIlroy at +10, Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele at +7 and several big names failing to even make the cut.
Tournament favorite Scottie Scheffler seems out of reach, even with his extraordinary skills, as he has only managed a four-over par score through 54 holes. Instead, it is one of the dual-Masters winners’ close friends, Ryder Cup star Burns, who currently leads the pack.
We delve into the life of the 28-year-old Louisiana-born golfer, including a private conversation with President Donald Trump, his relationship with best friend Scheffler and his childhood sweetheart wife.
Sam Burns’ exchange with President Donald Trump
Burns has been a mainstay on the PGA Tour since turning pro in 2017 after leaving Louisiana State University, claiming victory five times, and recently narrowly missing out on a playoff win at the Canadian Open. He was chosen to represent Team USA at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
During his career on the Tour, he’s racked up a cool $7 million in earnings, but that hasn’t kept him from hitting the links with billionaires, including a pre-2024 re-election round of golf with future President Trump.
Burns spilled the beans about his trip to Mar-a-lago for a meal with not only Trump but also Elon Musk, and shared his impressions on GOLF’s Subpar show.
Burns played a round with Trump last year(Image: X/@Samburns66)
“People ask, ‘What’s he like?’ He’s exactly how you’d think he would be,” Burns recounted. “He’s exactly what you see on TV, brutally honest. He’s very open; you can pretty much ask him anything.
“And he loves golf. He has some really funny stories, so it’s pretty cool to listen to. I asked him some stuff. I wasn’t sure if he would answer or not, but he did.
“On any hole, there’s close to 20 carts. If you’re paying attention and looking, you’ll see snipers, secret service everywhere. It’s funny, [because] I don’t know if this is the safest place or the most dangerous place in the world to be. I think it’s kind of both at the same time.”
The U.S. Open frontrunner’s camaraderie with Scottie Scheffler
Burns and Scheffler, who entered the PGA Tour around the same period, have been buddies since their junior golf days, often playing rounds together back then, reports the Mirror US.
The bond between Scheffler and Burns was so strong that it landed them as partners for the Ryder Cup in Italy. Burns shared with ESPN at the time: “Obviously, Scottie and I have played a lot of golf together, and we’re excited to team up.”
Burns and Scheffler are close friends(Image: Getty Images)
Their friendship deepened when both their wives were expecting at the same time. Scheffler’s victory at his second Masters in 2024 coincided with the anticipation of his first child, while Burns’ wife, Caroline, was also pregnant.
Such a shared experience brought the two golfers even closer. Last year at the St. Jude Classic, Burns was seen taking care of Scheffler’s son, Bennett, while Scheffler was on the course. The young sons of both golfers made an appearance at the Masters’ Par 3 contest in April, where they were photographed playing together.
Who is Sam Burns’ wife?
Burns tied the knot with Caroline in 2019. Their love story began at LSU, but their acquaintance dates back to when they were five years old, having first met at church and being each other’s first Valentines. They started dating in college, and after four years together, Burns proposed.
Speaking to WJCL in Georgia, Burns expressed his desire for a long future together, saying: “I hope that we’ll have many years together and grow old together and get to enjoy a lot of fun things together. ” He confessed he “always kind of knew” she was the one.
Burns married his wife in 2019(Image: Getty Images)
Burns candidly recounted the proposal moment, which occurred en route to dinner during the RBC Heritage, admitting: “I felt alright until about two minutes before I knew I was going to do it, and then I was kind of a train wreck.”
Caroline also recalled the moment, adding: “Sam just asked if I wanted to walk over early ’cause we were ready before everyone else. Right past the restaurant, he just stopped me and started talking, and then I knew, and then he got down on one knee.”
