He goes into the final day of competition leading the field with a commendable 4-under 206 score. Burns has won three of his last four starts. He’s on the cusp of winning his first major title, and he seems to flourish in the intense heat of this highly coveted tournament. Despite his recent form and despite major championship player Justin Rose’s best efforts to will him on, he had never threatened in any of his 20 prior major starts.
On Saturday, Burns not only took on the bad weather on the renowned, saturated Oakmont course, but he showed determination every step of the way during his round. It was only a shaky day twice for Joseph, but what was a positive day turned into an eventual score of 1-under 69. He closed in style with a stunning lag putt from just under 60 feet on the last hole. That dazzling highlight was a testament to his innate understanding of maintaining composure through the heat of a high-stakes championship.
Despite closing with a bogey from the rain-soaked rough on the 18th hole for a 70, Burns remains one shot ahead of his closest competitors, including veteran golfer Adam Scott. The last round will definitely be a nailbiter. Burns is certainly focused on ensuring that his narrow lead turns into victory, but he has some heavy hitting opponents.
Burns’ success at the U.S. Open is especially impressive when considering his track record in major championships. Although he can boast of five PGA Tour victories, his last came more than two years ago. The golfer has shown determination to add his name to the growing list of young American players poised to capture a major championship.
The stakes increase significantly as Burns enters the last round. As it stands, he knows there’s zero room for mistake if he wants to take the championship. “It’s not the position I want to be in, but I’ve done a good job of hanging in there and staying in the tournament,” said Scottie Scheffler, Burns’ close friend and fellow competitor, who is currently eight shots behind him.
Even tougher competition comes from Viktor Hovland, who knows he’s still within range to make the comeback. “I’m well aware that I’ve got a chance tomorrow, and if I shoot a low round of golf tomorrow then anything can happen,” Hovland expressed, highlighting the unpredictable nature of golf and the opportunities that lie ahead.
With the last round looming, Burns’ resolve is palpable. Throughout his time on the course, legendary moments came up to try and shake his cool. Another such moment came on the long par-3 eighth hole, where he totally flubbed a very makeable looking tap-in par. Despite all of that uncertainty, he has kept his eye on the prize and seems ready for what’s to come.
Even though the level of competition at Oakmont has been extremely cut throat, Burns knows he’s competing with some really talented dudes. Said Hovland, “It’s not like I’m the only one doing something good. I don’t want to take credit away, Adam Scott played a brilliant round today, he was just so flawless. Now that makes me go play some damn good golf tomorrow.” This proclamation underscores the depth and talent of the competitors racing toward the championship. It highlights how high the stakes are during the last round.
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