Sam Burns, no stranger to pressure, took on all challengers in the U.S. Open and looked like a future star down the stretch. Burns is leading the tournament and just dominating, making 11 sub-par holes over the first two. This accomplishment is indeed historic, as he became just the second player in major championship history to have the outright lead after beginning the tournament outside of the top 30. He had quite a show in the morning flight. His luck included the cloud cover and lack of wind which played to his favor.
Jon Rahm won a title on the Florida swing earlier this year. Although looking impressive, he was tested over all of his rounds. He only scored a 75, which put him in exactly the same spot as Scottie Scheffler. Rahm kept his hopes alive with a clutch birdie on the 18th to just barely make the cut. Upon landing in Japan, the Masters champion expressed his disappointment with his putting. He averaged 35 putts per round, an indication of the challenges he faced.
“Honestly, too annoyed and too mad right now to think about any perspective,” – Jon Rahm
Viktor Hovland stamped his name on the US Open this week at Oakmont. With a tournament-leading 11 sub-par holes, he placed himself among the best performers of the entire tournament. His showing exposes the worst holes on any player for three U.S. Opens at Oakmont. This trend has been the norm ever since the course changed over to a par 70 layout in 2007. Hovland certainly demonstrated his ability on Friday, knocking in a ridiculous 50-foot putt from off the green on No. 9. This stunning achievement concluded an excellent round for him.
Disappointment deepened as Scottie Scheffler further floundered at the U.S. Open. It became his sixth straight over par round, causing fans and analysts alike scratching their heads over his current form. For Adam Scott, it was his 96th consecutive major. He ended up at 140, even-par, and tied with Ben Griffin.
Burns’ success was built off his pinpoint iron play, as all six of his birdies came from inside 10 feet. He looked honestly on his big takeaway–he did a great job overall, with some lulls worth noting, but minor missteps.
“It was unfortunate, but there was too much good to focus on the little bit of bad,” – Sam Burns
Rory McIlroy displayed visible frustration on the course, throwing a club and smashing a tee marker after struggling to find his rhythm. These tense situations highlight the intensity and urgency competitors experience as they engage in their craft in this beautiful and revered tourney.
This is probably Phil Mickelson’s last U.S. Open. This emotional context serves to deepen the significance of his presence on the course. It’s no wonder the long-time golfer has captured so much attention as he approaches this career-defining moment.
And as our challengers prepare for the upcoming quarter-finals and semi-finals, they know that on this brutal course, every stroke matters. The tournament still manages to attract attention today, though, not just for the competitive balance it brings, but for its deep-rooted history. Curtis Strange — the last American man to win the Open in 1989 — is a reminder of what is at stake.
Viktor Hovland shared his thoughts on maintaining focus throughout the rounds:
“Definitely tired, exhausted because you’re just focusing so much on every single shot. I’m very pleased with 2-under par, but also I know that I was 4 under at some point.”
With only two rounds left, competitors are hungry to capitalize at every turn. They’ll still have the challenges of Oakmont to contend with.
Now that the tournament is really going to heat up, let’s turn our attention to Burns and Hovland. They are hungry to win their first major championship crowns! The pressure has never been higher, and every shot could be crucial in deciding who goes home with the coveted trophy.
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