Burns Takes Commanding Lead at Oakmont

Sam Burns has emerged as the frontrunner at the 2025 U.S. Open held at Oakmont Country Club, carrying a one-stroke lead into the final round. With a remarkable third-round score of 67, Burns sits at the top of the leaderboard at under par, outpacing competitors J.J. Spaun and Adam Scott, who trail closely behind. Reports indicate that Burns' performance has been exceptional, with a historic round that showcased his ability to navigate Oakmont's notoriously challenging greens.

Entering the final day, Burns is listed at +120 odds to win the tournament, according to live betting updates. This positions him as the clear favorite among bettors, with Adam Scott at +300 and others like Viktor Hovland and J.J. Spaun further behind. Burns' consistency and clutch play, especially in the third round, have fueled optimism about his chances to secure the coveted title.

Controversial Ruling Sparks Debate

A significant moment of contention arose during the final round on the 15th hole, where Burns was denied relief from what many believed to be temporary water. After being twice refused a favorable ruling by officials from the United States Golf Association (USGA), Burns suffered a double bogey on the hole, ultimately finishing with a score of 78 for the day. This ruling cost him a potential shot at the title, as he ended up losing by five strokes.

The decision has ignited outrage among fans and commentators alike, with many calling it a 'bad call' that unfairly impacted Burns' performance. Social media posts on X reflect widespread frustration, with users highlighting the harshness of the ruling during such a critical stage of the tournament. The incident has raised questions about the clarity and fairness of USGA rules in high-stakes situations.

Betting Odds and Final Round Dynamics

As the final round unfolded, betting odds fluctuated with the shifting leaderboard, but Burns remained a focal point for bettors until the controversial ruling altered his trajectory. Early in the day, odds had him as the favorite at +120, reflecting confidence in his ability to close out the tournament. Other contenders like Adam Scott (+300), J.J. Spaun (+1100), and Viktor Hovland (+600) also drew attention, though none matched Burns' pre-ruling momentum.

Oakmont's demanding course continued to challenge all players, with reports noting that all leaders started their final rounds over par. Despite Burns' setback, his earlier rounds demonstrated why he was favored, and the tournament's outcome has only intensified discussions about his potential in future majors. The 2025 U.S. Open will be remembered not just for its competitive field, but for the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped its conclusion.