Sam Burns Leads U.S. Open by One Shot as Spaun and Scott Close In
Sam Burns led the U.S. Open by one shot after Round 3 at Oakmont, but J.J. Spaun surged to victory with a stunning final round. Spaun's birdie-birdie finish, including a 64-foot putt, secured his first major title on June 16.
Burns Maintains Narrow Lead at Oakmont
Sam Burns has positioned himself at the forefront of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, holding a one-shot lead after a steady performance in the third round on June 14. Burns carded a 69, bringing his total to 4-under par for the tournament. Despite the challenging conditions at Oakmont, known for its treacherous layout, Burns has shown resilience, managing to stay ahead of a tightly packed leaderboard.
Reflecting on his game, Burns acknowledged the difficulty of the course, stating, 'Oakmont can bite you if you're not careful, so I just focused on staying patient.' His approach paid off as he navigated through the day with only minor setbacks, maintaining his lead heading into the final round. With only three players under par, the pressure is on Burns to sustain his composure.
Spaun and Scott in Hot Pursuit
Close behind Burns are J.J. Spaun and Adam Scott, both at 3-under par, setting up an intense final round. Spaun, who has been a consistent contender throughout the tournament, matched Burns' pace with strong play, while Scott climbed into the final pairing with a notable performance on moving day. Their proximity to Burns ensures that Sunday's round will be a thrilling battle for the coveted title.
Spaun's dramatic finish in the final round ultimately led to his victory, as reported after the tournament concluded on June 16. He surged back with four birdies on the back nine, sealing his win with a remarkable 64-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole. 'That putt on 18 is something I'll never forget,' Spaun said, capturing the moment that etched his name into golf history.
Final Round Drama and Historic Win at Oakmont
The final round on June 16 was marked by heavy rain delays, adding another layer of difficulty to an already grueling course. Despite these challenges, Spaun's performance stood out as he finished birdie-birdie to claim his first major championship. His victory at Oakmont marks a significant milestone, joining the ranks of golf's elite in one of the sport's most prestigious events.
Viktor Hovland was the only other player to finish under par for the tournament, underscoring the brutal test that Oakmont presented to the field. Burns, who led for much of the weekend, couldn't maintain his edge against Spaun's late charge. Nevertheless, the 2025 U.S. Open will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion and the emergence of Spaun as a major champion.