Sam Burns holds slim one-shot lead entering final round in unexpected leaderboard at US Open
OAKMONT, Pa.— The star power at the top of the U.S.
Open leaderboard as this 125th edition awaits Sunday’s final round isn’t exactly what the TV networks or those in the Oakmont grillroom were hoping for or expecting.The Oakmont faithful have become somewhat spoiled by their U.S.Open winners, with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Johnny Miller and Larry Nelson a part of the club’s rich history.
Ernie Els won a U.S.Open at Oakmont, as did Dustin Johnson.Those are examples of the pedigree expected to emerge from the 156-player field hoisting the chalice by dinnertime Sunday.But you know what?Sam Burns, who didn’t back up in Saturday’s third round after posting the round of the tournament with his 65 on Friday, doesn’t give a damn about the pedigree on the board.He shot 69 on Saturday and takes a one-shot lead into the final round at 4-under par, seeking a life-changing victory.J.J.
Spaun, who’s been at or near the top of the leaderboard after every round and refuses to go away, doesn’t give a damn, either.He’s 3-under par after shooting 69 and trails Burns by one shot.Adam Scott, who’s 44 years old and hasn’t won a tournament since 2020, doesn’t give a damn.He’s one shot off the lead at 3-under par after shooting 67 in pursuit of a second career major 12 years after his first, the 2013 Masters.Viktor Hovland, who’s knocked on the door in major championships without bagging one, with three top 5 finishes including a runner-up and a tie for third, doesn’t give a damn.
He’s three shots behind Burns at 1-under par after shooting 70.Carlos Ortiz, who’s playing in his 162nd career PGA Tour tournament and has one win (the 2020 Vivant Houston Open), doesn’t give a damn either.He’s even par for the championship and four shots back after shooting 67.Thriston Lawrence, who entered the week having missed the cut in nine of his 11 starts on the PGA Tour this year, doesn’t give a damn.
He’s 1-over par, five shots off the lead.T...