Sam Burns Fires Sizzling 65 to Stun Field and Lead U.S. Open at Oakmont
In what’s shaping up to be one of the most surprising starts to a major championship in recent memory, Sam Burns delivered a brilliant 5-under-par 65 on Thursday to take the early lead at the 2025 U.S. Open held at the storied Oakmont Country Club.
Burns, 27, made it look easy on a course that rarely plays fair. Known for its brutal rough, glassy greens, and punishing layout, Oakmont has historically humbled even the best. But on Day 1, it was the Louisiana native who tamed the beast.
“I just got in a groove early and stuck to my game plan,” said Burns. “At Oakmont, you don’t try to overpower it — you just play smart golf.”
⛳ A Dream Round at a Nightmare Course
Burns opened his round with back-to-back birdies and never looked back. He hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation, drained several clutch putts, and avoided major mistakes — a rarity at Oakmont, which has hosted more U.S. Opens than any other course in America.
What stood out most was Burns’ composure. Even after narrowly escaping with par from the infamous Church Pews bunker on Hole 3, he remained unfazed. His back-nine was bogey-free, and a birdie at the par-3 16th solidified what turned into the round of the day.
While Oakmont chewed up other top contenders, Burns managed to make the course bend to his will — at least for one round.
🌟 Burns Building a Major Moment
This performance isn’t just a fluke. Burns has been knocking on the door of greatness for the past two seasons, with multiple wins on the PGA Tour and consistent top-10 finishes. But until now, he’s lacked a defining major moment.
That may be changing.
“I feel like I belong,” he said post-round. “The more I’ve played in majors, the more I’ve learned to stay patient. Today, that mindset paid off.”
Burns’ success can also be attributed to a revamped short game and putting stroke, which he’s worked tirelessly on since the start of the season. With Oakmont’s treacherous greens, it’s paying dividends — and fast.
🏆 Big Names Playing Catch-Up
While Burns leads, some of the tour’s biggest stars find themselves trailing early.
Rory McIlroy shot a pedestrian even-par 70, while Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm both struggled to gain momentum on fast greens and punishing pin placements. Defending champion Wyndham Clark sits at +2, visibly frustrated by missed birdie chances and a double-bogey at the 12th.
Yet, as history has shown, no U.S. Open lead is safe after one day — especially at Oakmont.
“There’s a long way to go,” McIlroy said. “But if Sam can keep playing like that, he’ll be tough to catch.”
📈 Looking Ahead: Can Burns Keep It Going?
With 54 holes to play, Burns knows his lead is only part of the story. Oakmont is notorious for shifting tides. What starts strong can collapse in a blink, especially when pressure mounts.
Still, the mental toughness and discipline Burns showed in Round 1 speak volumes. If he maintains that composure — and continues rolling putts the way he did today — he could very well be in contention come Sunday.
Burns tees off Friday afternoon, giving him time to rest, reflect, and prepare for the challenge of backing up a brilliant round.
💬 Final Thoughts
Sam Burns just sent a shockwave through the U.S. Open — and the golf world is officially watching. While many expected Oakmont to be dominated by the usual suspects, it’s Burns who now holds the spotlight.
Can he sustain the magic and claim his first major? Or will the course — and the competition — fight back? Either way, the drama is just beginning at Oakmont.
Stay tuned — this U.S. Open is heating up fast.