Sam Burns consistency has him holding lead going into final round of British Open

SOUTHPORT, England — If we’re being realistic, Sam Burns deserves to win the 154th British Open on Sunday at Royal Birkdale. First, he followed a second-round record-tying 62 on Friday with a third-round 65 on Saturday, which is a feat. Second, he did so while paired with Bryson DeChambeau, who has become a living, breathing, walking sideshow at the Open this week. Because he’s been the best, most consistent player in the field that began with 156 players, Burns will take a two-shot lead into Sunday’s final round at 10 under par. Ryan Fox, who posted a 62 early in the day Saturday, is 8 under as is Si Woo Kim, who shot 67. Lucas Herbert, who shot 62 on Friday and 71 on Saturday, is 7 under along with Ryan Gerard, who shot 69. DeChambeau, Ludvig Åberg and Jackson Suber are four back at 6 under.Tommy Fleetwood, the hometown hero, is 5 under and not out of it. But this day — the last two days really — belonged to Burns, the quiet Louisiana native who hadn’t even planned to play this week because his wife, Caroline, had given birth to their daughter, Belle, on July 3. “This golf tournament was honestly so far off of my radar and expectations of playing,’’ Burns said.

“I mean, Caroline’s due date was Tuesday this week.She was like four days late with our son.

I just didn’t think there was any possible way, and little Belle had different plans for us. “Even after she was born, after a couple of days I wasn’t thinking much about it.Caroline was kind of like, ‘So, what are you thinking for next week?’ I was like, ‘I don’t know.

Should we talk about it?’ “Ultimately, she’s the one that really encouraged me to come over and play.She basically said, ‘I’ve got this at home.

Go over there and give it your best.’ “And here we are.’’ The rest of the field probably wishes Burns stayed home with his wife and newborn this week. It probably hopes he hadn’t consulted his wife after a poor finish to his opening ...