As the excitement builds for the final round of the 125th US Open, American golfer Sam Burns is poised to secure his first major championship. Burns currently leads the tournament by a single stroke, with Adam Scott of Australia and J.J. Spaun hot on his heels. Saturday proved to be a pivotal day at the US Open, aptly dubbed "moving day," as Scott surged up the leaderboard with a stellar performance at the prestigious Oakmont Country Club.
During Saturday's third round, Scott showcased his skills, finishing with a remarkable score of 67, bringing him to 3-under for the tournament. This performance marks Scott's best position after three rounds at a major since the 2018 PGA Championship. Despite only having one major title to his name, Scott's experience and talent make him a formidable contender. He noted, “It would be super fulfilling” to win another major, emphasizing the dedication required to reach this level.
Interestingly, historical data from the Elias Sports Bureau indicates that all winners of the last ten majors were either in first or second place after 54 holes. With Scott now tied for second with Spaun, the odds seem to favor him. Additionally, the last two US Open champions at Oakmont started the third round four shots behind the leader, which mirrors Scott's current situation.
The weather played a crucial role in shaping the tournament's dynamics. An overnight rain softened the course, creating challenging conditions for players. The greens remained fast, and as the sun emerged, they became even more treacherous. The wind added another layer of complexity, making it difficult for golfers to achieve birdies. High-profile pairings, such as Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, struggled under these conditions, with both players unable to make significant moves on the leaderboard.
McIlroy's performance was particularly disappointing, finishing with a 4-over par 74 and leaving him at 10-over for the tournament. As the leaders took the course in the afternoon, brief rain showers added to the unpredictable nature of Oakmont, leaving players hopeful for birdie opportunities.
Throughout Saturday, Burns and Spaun engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth battle for the lead. Burns fired up the crowd with a birdie on the par-3 13th hole, while Spaun maintained his composure, exchanging leads multiple times. However, a bogey on the par-3 16th for Burns allowed Spaun to tie the game once more. Spaun remarked on the course's conditions, explaining, “Given (the wind) and how soft and wet everything was, it played longer,” which allowed for better control over landing spots.
As the competition heated up, Scott also made his mark, birdieing the 13th hole and closing the gap between him and the leaders. The trio at the top of the leaderboard created an electrifying atmosphere as they approached the final hole.
On the 18th hole, Burns and Spaun faced challenging positions, while Scott remained on the green, finishing his round with a 3-under 67. Burns managed to get onto the green despite a tough lie in the rough, but his putt for birdie proved challenging. He ended the day with a par, maintaining his lead with a 1-under round of 69. Spaun, however, couldn't capitalize on his opportunity and finished with a bogey, leaving him tied with Burns.
As the sun set over Oakmont, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation for Sunday’s showdown. Both Burns and Spaun expressed their determination to remain competitive, stating, “I was just happy I’m still within shouting distance going into tomorrow.” With Scott's impressive round and the ongoing rivalry between Burns and Spaun, the stage is set for a thrilling final round at the US Open.
As the players prepare for the final round, all eyes will be on the trio of Burns, Scott, and Spaun. Each golfer has their own story and motivation, making the Sunday showdown a must-watch event in the world of golf. With a mix of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck, any of these players could emerge victorious in this prestigious tournament.
