Sam Burns is holding his nerve at the 2025 U.S. Open, finishing Saturday’s third round with a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun. On a punishing Pinehurst No. 2 course, where birdies are rare and bogeys come fast, Burns is proving that consistency is the key.
The 28-year-old American carded an even-par 70, bringing his three-day total to -3, just enough to stay in front as the pressure builds heading into Sunday’s final round.
📉 Grit Over Glamour at Pinehurst
This year’s U.S. Open has lived up to its reputation for grinding play. With firm greens, punishing bunkers, and thick native rough, Pinehurst No. 2 has tested every part of a golfer’s game — especially patience.
Burns isn’t overpowering the course. He’s outlasting it.
“I just tried to stay in the moment,” Burns said post-round. “Par is a great score out here.”
That mindset helped him survive a day where few players went under par. His round included two birdies, two bogeys, and a lot of clutch par saves — including a remarkable up-and-down on the 16th.
🏌️♂️ Who’s Chasing?
Right behind him is J.J. Spaun, who surged with a 68, and Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, who posted a 69 to stay within striking distance.
Also lurking are Bryson DeChambeau and Ludvig Åberg, both within three shots and capable of going low on Sunday.
For Scheffler, who’s been in the hunt at nearly every major recently, Sunday’s round could be a defining moment. His putter — often the question mark — has been solid through 54 holes.
“I’m exactly where I want to be,” Scheffler said. “It’s going to come down to execution.”
🔥 Burns in the Spotlight
Burns is seeking his first major championship, and this performance could be the breakthrough moment he’s long chased. Known for his ball-striking and calm demeanor, Burns has five PGA Tour wins but has never cracked the top 5 in a major — until now.
He’s kept mistakes to a minimum, managing the course rather than attacking it. That might just be the winning formula at Pinehurst, where history shows the U.S. Open is more about survival than fireworks.
📊 Leaderboard – Top 5 After Round 3
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sam Burns | -3 |
| T2 | Scottie Scheffler | -2 |
| T2 | J.J. Spaun | -2 |
| 4 | Bryson DeChambeau | -1 |
| T5 | Ludvig Åberg | E |
🏆 Final Round Preview
Burns will tee off in the final pairing with Spaun, while Scheffler and DeChambeau set up what promises to be a thrilling finish. With Sunday pressure, fast greens, and crowds swelling, the question is: can Sam Burns stay composed one more time?
History favors those who can keep bogeys off the card at Pinehurst — and that’s been Burns’ game plan all week.