ESPN Golf: Sam Burns Comes Agonizingly Close at U.S. Open, Settles for Career-Best Major Finish

A Seven-Stroke Deficit Becomes a One-Stroke Drama

Sam Burns entered the final round of the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills seven strokes behind 54-hole leader Wyndham Clark — a gap that made a victory seem implausible. Yet Burns birdied three of his first eight holes, carding a 3-under 32 on the front nine to trim Clark's lead to one.

The Putt That Didn't Fall

On the par-4 18th, Burns had a birdie attempt that would have forced a tie. He struck it with the pace and line he intended — and it slid half an inch right. Burns dropped to his knees. "I really thought I made that putt," he said afterward.

He finished at 3-under par, one stroke behind Clark, for the best major result of his career.

Contrast With Oakmont's Collapse

At the 2025 U.S. Open, Burns carried a one-stroke lead into Sunday at Oakmont, then carded an 8-over 78 to fall to a tie for seventh. This time the outcome was different in character, if not in result. "Last year I felt like I lost the tournament. I don't feel that way today."

Father's Day Backdrop

The timing added emotional weight: his father joined him on the range during the final hour, his wife Caroline is 37 weeks pregnant, and their 2-year-old son Bear played beside him near the clubhouse after the round concluded.

Strokeslab Perspective

Burns' front-nine brilliance at Shinnecock — one of the most demanding scoring environments in major golf — reflects a player whose approach-play consistency is genuinely major-ready. The three-putt on 15 and the missed 10-footer on 17 were the margin. Strokes Gained data from Sunday will likely confirm that Burns outperformed the field from tee to green; putting was the thin line between runner-up and champion.