Sam Burns came into Friday knowing that he could play at Oakmont. He also knew what the course could do to him, having finished with three bogeys and one double bogey during Thursday’s opening round. Burns chose not to dwell on how his round ended and instead focused on the five birdies that came earlier. “I played really well yesterday other than the finishing holes,” he said to reporters after his round Friday. “So, I think today was just kind of getting mentally ready to come out and try to put a good round together. I feel like I’ve been playing well coming off last week and into this week and my round yesterday. Really just trying to get yourself in position out here and give yourself as many looks as you can.” What came on Friday might be the round of his life. On this most difficult of courses – only three players are under par after 36 holes – Burns shot a 5-under 65 that left him in sole control of the US Open halfway through the tournament. It’s the first time he’s had at least a share of the lead at this point in a major championship and was just two shots shy of the course record 63, set by Johnny Miller in the 1973 edition of this tournament. Burns is a five-time winner on the PGA Tour but has only finished in the top 10 at a major once – at last year’s US Open at Pinehurst. He’s known as one of the best putters on the tour but is coming off a week where his putter failed him at a critical moment. On the first playoff hole of the RBC Canadian Open last week, Burns had a five-foot putt to win the tournament. Instead, his ball hit the lip of the cup and rimmed out; on the second playoff hole he three-putted and would finish in second. This week, there has been no sign of a hangover. “I think especially around here, honestly it kind of forces you to take your medicine because a lot of times that’s the only option you have,” Burns said Friday of playing Oakmont. “I think for this golf course, you really just have to free it up. It’s too hard to try to guide it around here. You’re going to hit some in the rough, you’re going to hit some in some bad spots, you might as well do it with authority.” Burns will start Saturday with a share of the lead and will have the eyes of the many spectators at Oakmont on him, a stark contrast to Friday when the biggest crowds only paused to watch his shots when Scottie Scheffler’s group was passing by a nearby hole. Scheffler and Burns are good friends and often travel together on tour, but it’s the No. 1-ranked Texan who is usually in the spotlight. Such was Burns’ play on Friday that Scheffler was answering questions about his buddy after his round was over. He plays golf very freely, and he’s got really good natural instincts when it comes to his putting,” Scheffler said, “and a lot of it is just very reactionary. He’s got good fundamentals, good instinct, and he putts very reactionary. That’s really all there is to it, it’s as simple as that.” That’s the lesson that Burns learned at Pinehurst No. 2 last year when he finished tied for ninth. It’s counterintuitive, especially on such a big stage, but Burns said his whole mindset is based on allowing Oakmont to be the beast that it is. He told reporters he had no real goals for a score he’d like to shoot. He wasn’t obsessing over the putts that didn’t go in because he felt like doing so would be greedy. And, as one of the players in the tournament without a major championship to his name, the most important thing was taking the pressure off. “I just feel like I’ve tried to play too perfect and tried to force it a little bit at times. Sos trying to really be patient and take what the golf course gives me,” Burns said. Oakmont has so far rewarded the players who take a patient approach with it. It has a way of humbling players who try to impose their will on this monster of a track. Take Thriston Lawrence for example. The South African started Friday with a par and then three straight birdies. Playing with confidence, he let his driver hunt after that, going for the big drives that he likes to hit and playing aggressively as he played himself into a three-stroke lead. Oakmont rewarded that confidence with three straight bogeys. Then another. Then two more. Then a double bogey. And when he was about to finish up his round, the skies opened up and USGA officials suspended play for the night, much to his chagrin. This course outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, isn’t rewarding many players this week – let alone forgiving their mistakes. Burns’ short game, and willingness to take what he gets, is helping him get to the top. “Look, this golf course is very tough and you’re going to get the ball out of position and you’re going to get in some spots that are tricky. I think being able to rely on your short game and give yourself a chance at par is really important,” he said. The question now coming into the weekend is how long will Burns stay atop the leaderboard. He’s put himself in historically good position – 11 of the last 12 US Open champions were in the top five after the first two rounds. He’s sanguine about it all. “It’s a 72-hole golf tournament, and if you can get a round under par out here, no matter if it’s 1-under, you’ll take it,” he said, adding, “I’m looking forward to the weekend.” His friend Scheffler hinted there might be a bit more fire underneath that calm exterior. “Sam is one of those guys, he’s like me in a sense that he’s a hyper-competitive person,” Scheffler said. “I think you always dream of having a chance to win these tournaments, and he’s put himself in position a few times at majors, and he’s in position again.
Sam Burns is playing free at Oakmont’s treacherous course. It’s put him atop the US Open leaderboard going into the weekend
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Sam Burns Leads US Open After Strong Performance at Oakmont"
CNN
8.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Sam Burns entered Friday's round at Oakmont with a clear mindset, determined to not let a challenging opening round hinder his performance. Despite finishing Thursday with three bogeys and a double bogey, Burns focused on his five birdies from earlier in the round, expressing confidence in his game. He emphasized the importance of mental preparation and maintaining a positive attitude while navigating the treacherous course. On Friday, he delivered an impressive performance, shooting a 5-under 65, which placed him at the top of the US Open leaderboard. This marked a significant achievement for Burns, as it was the first time he held at least a share of the lead at a major championship, just two strokes off the course record of 63 set by Johnny Miller in 1973. Burns, a five-time PGA Tour winner, acknowledged the unique challenges Oakmont presents, insisting that players must embrace the course's difficulty and play with freedom rather than restraint.
As the tournament progresses into the weekend, Burns reflects on his approach to the game, particularly the need for patience and adaptability. He shared how he learned from previous experiences, including a second-place finish at the RBC Canadian Open where he faltered under pressure. Burns' strategy at Oakmont involves accepting the course's challenges and making the most of every opportunity, especially with his renowned short game. His friend and fellow competitor, Scottie Scheffler, praised Burns for his instinctive and reactive putting style, reinforcing the idea that a relaxed mindset is crucial for success on such a demanding course. With a solid position heading into the weekend, Burns is aware of the historical trends indicating that players in the top five after the first two rounds have a strong chance of winning. However, he remains grounded, understanding that the tournament is a lengthy 72 holes and that maintaining focus will be key as he aims for his first major championship victory.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Sam Burns's impressive performance at Oakmont during the US Open, detailing his journey through the challenging course and his mental resilience. It emphasizes his ability to focus on the positives despite setbacks, showcasing his skill as a golfer and his position as a leader in the tournament.
Impacts of Mental Resilience
Burns's narrative is centered around mental strength and the ability to rebound from prior disappointments, such as his near-win at the RBC Canadian Open. This focus on mental resilience in sports resonates with audiences who value perseverance, potentially inspiring amateur athletes and fans alike. By framing Burns's achievements in this light, the article seeks to create a positive perception of him as a determined competitor.
Public Perception and Community Response
The article seems to be aimed at a golf-loving audience, particularly those who appreciate the nuances of the sport and the psychological aspects of competition. It fosters a sense of admiration for Burns, portraying him as a relatable figure who overcomes challenges. There is no indication that the article seeks to hide information; rather, it paints a comprehensive picture of Burns's current state in the tournament.
Comparative Analysis with Other Sports News
When compared to other sports coverage, this article appears to offer a more personal insight into the athlete's mindset, which is a common trend in contemporary sports journalism. While many articles focus solely on statistics and outcomes, this piece adds depth by exploring Burns's mental approach.
Impact on Broader Societal Context
While the article primarily focuses on a sports event, the themes of resilience and mental fortitude can have broader implications, encouraging discussions on mental health in sports. This could lead to increased awareness and support for mental health initiatives within the sporting community.
Audience Engagement
The article likely appeals to golf enthusiasts and those who follow major tournaments, as well as individuals interested in sports psychology. By detailing Burns's struggles and triumphs, it connects with readers who appreciate stories of perseverance and success, encouraging a supportive community around him.
Financial and Market Implications
From a financial perspective, the performance of athletes in major tournaments can influence endorsements and sponsorships. If Burns continues to perform well, it could lead to increased visibility for brands associated with him, impacting their stock value positively. Additionally, the performance of golf-related stocks could see fluctuations based on events like the US Open, where high-profile performances can drive interest and sales.
Geopolitical Context
While this article does not directly address geopolitical issues, sports figures often become cultural icons and their narratives can intersect with broader societal themes. The focus on an American golfer in a prominent tournament ties into national pride in sports, which can be reflected in public sentiment and media coverage.
AI Usage in Article Creation
There is no clear evidence of AI intervention in the writing of this article, as it follows a traditional journalistic structure with a human touch in storytelling. However, AI tools could assist in data analysis or fact-checking, but the narrative-driven style suggests a human author.
The article appears to be trustworthy, as it provides a detailed account of events and insights into the player's mindset without sensationalism or bias. It focuses on real-time performance and personal anecdotes, which adds credibility to the reporting.