Sam Burns Falls Quick Once more at The Open as Major Championship Wait Continues

Sam Burns as soon as once more discovered himself inside attain of golf’s largest prize, however the 29-year-old American’s watch for his first main championship continues after a disappointing last spherical on the 2026 Open Championship.

Sam Burns Misses Open Title

Burns entered Sunday’s last spherical at Royal Birkdale with a two-shot lead after three spectacular rounds. He was 10 underneath par and paired with eventual champion Ryan Fox within the last group, giving him a powerful probability to lastly declare the Claret Jug.

However, Burns couldn’t maintain onto his benefit. After opening the day with a birdie on the second gap, his momentum pale as he made three straight bogeys. He completed with a two-over 72, ending the match at 8 underneath and two photographs behind Fox, who secured the title with a dramatic birdie on the 18th gap.

The outcome added one other painful chapter to Burns’ rising checklist of shut calls in main championships.

Despite persistently inserting himself among the many contenders, he has not been capable of full the ultimate step and carry considered one of golf’s most essential trophies.

According to CBS, earlier than the ultimate spherical, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler praised Burns’ means to compete on the highest degree.

Scheffler mentioned Burns has the expertise and expertise wanted to win and believes it’s only a matter of time earlier than he breaks by.

Sam Burns Proves Major Potential

Burns’ efficiency at The Open confirmed why many contemplate him a future main champion. He recorded rounds of 73, 62, 65, and 72, together with his second-round 62 matching one of many lowest scores ever recorded in males’s main championship historical past, Sporting News reported.

The American has additionally been shut in latest majors. He completed second on the 2026 U.S. Open after almost forcing a playoff and beforehand held the 54-hole lead on the 2025 U.S.

Open earlier than struggling within the last spherical. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, Burns has repeatedly positioned himself close to the highest of main leaderboards.

Still, historical past exhibits that being shut doesn’t at all times assure a breakthrough. Several gifted gamers have spent years chasing their first main title earlier than lastly successful, whereas others by no means reached that second.

Burns understands the issue of the problem however stays targeted. After Saturday’s spherical, he mentioned he may settle for no matter occurred and would proceed shifting ahead.

“Ultimately, whatever happens, I know that I can accept the outcome, and life’s going to move on,” Burns mentioned. “I’ll get to go home and see my family. I hope I’m taking some hardware with me, but if I’m not, that’s fine, too.”

Despite the frustration, Burns continues to construct a powerful fame. He has 5 PGA Tour victories, has competed in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup occasions, and stays one of many sport’s most gifted gamers.