Scheffler won his third major title at last month's US PGA Championship Sam Burns hit a sensational five-under 65 to set the clubhouse target as Scottie Scheffler battled to make the cut during the second round of the US Open. Only four of 78 players in the early wave posted under-par scores on another gruelling day at Oakmont with Burns improving to three under overall. The top 60 and ties make it through to the weekend, and world number one Scheffler is set to be comfortably inside the cut mark, which is projected to be seven over with 78 players to complete their rounds. Scheffler, who scrapped to a 71, mixing four birdies with five bogeys to finish on four over, said: "With the way I was hitting it, it was easily a day I could have been going home and I battled pretty hard to stay in there. "Around this golf course I don't think by any means I'm out of the tournament." His fellow American Burns enjoyed a better day in Pennsylvania, posting the lowest score of the week. Burns, who finished runner-up at last week's Canadian Open, had six birdies in his round and finished with a 22-foot par putt to leave himself one behind round one leader JJ Spaun, who was just heading out among the later starters. Norway's Viktor Hovland was scintillating through his opening eight holes, including a brilliant chip-in eagle at the 17th (his eighth) to also close within one of Spaun. However, a rollercoaster back nine that featured two birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey saw him post a 68 that leaves him at oneunder. Masters winner champion Rory McIlroy is among those heading out with the later starters. The Northern Irishman begins at four over par, with the course expected to toughen as the round progresses. Statement wins at the US PGA Championship, Memorial and CJ Byron Nelson over the past five weeks had ensconced Scheffler as a clear favourite to add the US Open to his growing collection of major titles. But this tournament cares little for reputation â and the world's top ranked player has not won it since Tiger Woods in 2008. Round two started well, Scheffler, who started at three over, downing a 20-foot birdie putt at his first (the 10th). After that, it unravelled, with three bogeys in five holes. However, he found a bounceback birdie at the second (his 11th) but smashed his club on the ground in frustration after driving his ball in the huge 'Church Pews' bunker down the third. So often admired for his relaxed composure, it was a further sign all was not right with the Olympic champion's game. However, he did find birdies at the fourth (his 13th) and sixth in order to shoot one over par for his round and anyone who makes the weekend has a chance. Sam Burns' only top-10 finish at a major championship came at the 2024 US Open Scheffler's toils were put into perspective by a charging Burns who made a mockery of Oakmont's grisly challenge. Sensational from tee to green, he actually missed decent opportunities down the stretch to add to his 11 birdies over the first two rounds before that brilliant par save at the final hole. If his regains his usually reliable putting stroke - he is first on the PGA Tour this season for strokes gained on the greens - he will be well placed to fight for his maiden major title. Another in that bracket is Hovland who, playing alongside Scheffler, lit up the front nine with some excellent iron play. Ranked first for strokes gained around the green in round two, the 2023 Tour Championship winner closed in on Spaun with a majestic 55-foot chipped eagle from the rough on the 17th (his eighth). A slightly erratic back nine could have derailed him but at three shots back, and half the field still to play, Hovland will be well-placed going into the weekend. Two-time US Open champion Brooks Koepka has shown glimpses of his impressive major-winning credentials but was scrappy in a round of 74 to drop to two over par. Two shots further behind, the 2021 champion Jon Rahm saw his challenge falter, having impressed on day one. Starting the round three off the lead, he followed three bogeys on his first nine with a penal double bogey at the 12th to drop to four over par, with his sole birdie arriving at the fourth. To compound his frustration, he saw a series of birdie chances slide by during his closing holes before a bogey at the last left him eight shots off Spaun. "I'm too mad to put it into perspective," he said afterwards. Meanwhile, France's Victor Perez had a hole-in-one at the par-three sixth in a level-par 70 that kept him at one over.
Scheffler hangs on as Burns sets target at US Open
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Scottie Scheffler Struggles While Sam Burns Sets New Target at US Open"
Bbc News
9.0
TruthLens AI Summary
The second round of the US Open saw Scottie Scheffler, the world number one and recent winner of the US PGA Championship, struggle to maintain his position as he battled through a challenging day at Oakmont. Scheffler began his round at three over par and managed to post a score of 71, mixing four birdies with five bogeys, leaving him at four over for the tournament. Despite a shaky performance that included a frustrating moment in the Church Pews bunker, where he smashed his club in frustration, Scheffler remained optimistic about his chances, stating that anyone making the cut still has a shot at the title. The projected cut is expected to be around seven over, suggesting that Scheffler's score would allow him to advance to the weekend rounds. His performance, while not up to his usual standards, was commendable given the course's difficulty, and he emphasized his determination to stay competitive in the tournament.
In stark contrast, Sam Burns delivered a stellar performance, shooting a sensational five-under 65 to set the clubhouse target at three under overall. Burns, who recently finished as the runner-up at the Canadian Open, demonstrated exceptional skill with six birdies during his round, finishing strong with a critical par save at the final hole. His success highlighted the challenges faced by other contenders, including Viktor Hovland, who had a mixed bag of a round but remained in contention at one under. Notable players like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka also faced difficulties, with McIlroy starting at four over and Koepka struggling to find consistency with a round of 74. The competition remains fierce as the tournament progresses, with several players still in the hunt for their first major title, including Burns and Hovland, both of whom have shown promise in the early rounds of this prestigious event.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an update on the ongoing US Open golf tournament, highlighting the performance of key players, particularly Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. It paints a picture of a competitive environment where even top players struggle, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of major golf tournaments.
Analysis of Intent and Public Perception
The piece aims to inform readers about the current standings and performances in the US Open, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by top athletes like Scheffler, who recently won his third major title. The narrative suggests a competitive spirit and the importance of perseverance in sports, which can inspire readers. The mention of Burns' impressive score sets a positive tone and broadens the narrative beyond just the struggles of Scheffler, potentially fostering excitement for the tournament.
Possible Omissions or Hidden Narratives
There isn't an apparent attempt to hide information from the public; rather, the article reflects the realities of competitive golf, where even top-ranked players can face difficulties. However, it could be argued that the article glosses over the broader implications of these performances, such as the psychological impact on players and how this might affect their future tournaments.
Manipulative Aspects and Reliability
The article does not appear to contain manipulative language or overt bias. It presents the facts about the tournament and player performances without attempting to sway public opinion in a specific direction. The reliability of the information seems high, as it is based on direct reporting from a well-publicized event.
Comparative Context
When compared to other sports news, this article fits into a common narrative of highlighting underdog stories and the unpredictability of sports. There may be connections to other articles discussing the mental and emotional aspects of athletes' performances, especially under pressure.
Broader Societal Impact
While the article primarily focuses on sports, it can have broader implications for public interest in golf and sportsmanship. The narrative encourages perseverance, which resonates with many readers beyond just sports enthusiasts. It may also influence viewer engagement in the tournament, potentially leading to increased attendance and viewership.
Target Audience
This article likely appeals to golf fans and sports enthusiasts who follow major tournaments. It could also attract casual readers interested in the drama and narratives surrounding competitive sports.
Market Impact
In terms of financial implications, golf-related stocks or brands sponsoring players may see fluctuations based on performance. However, the immediate impact on broader markets may be limited, unless tied to significant sponsorships or endorsements.
Geopolitical Relevance
The article does not hold significant relevance in the context of global power dynamics, nor does it touch on pressing geopolitical issues. Its focus remains firmly on the sporting event.
AI Usage in Article Creation
It’s possible that AI tools were used in drafting this article, particularly for synthesizing player statistics and performance data. However, the human touch in storytelling and capturing the emotional essence of the tournament appears predominant.
Conclusion on Trustworthiness
In conclusion, the article is trustworthy, providing an accurate depiction of the current state of the US Open and the performances of its players without manipulating the narrative or hiding critical information.