A Remarkable Turnaround at Royal Birkdale
SOUTHPORT, England – Sam Burns, who nearly skipped the 2026 British Open, enters Sunday’s final round at Royal Birkdale as the man to beat. Following a record-tying 62 in the second round, the American carded a 5-under 65 on Saturday, reaching 10-under for the tournament and establishing a two-shot lead over his closest competitors.
Burns’ ascent is particularly striking given his initial hesitation to participate and an opening-round 73 that left him perilously close to the cut line. His 36-hole total of 127 is the lowest score across any two rounds in men’s major championship history, marking a significant shift in his performance trajectory. As he seeks his first major title, the 29-year-old now carries the momentum of a player who has found his rhythm under the most intense conditions.
The Sunday Contenders
The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with only five shots separating the top ten players. Ryan Fox of New Zealand and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim share second place at 8-under. Fox’s climb was fueled by a brilliant 62 earlier in the week, while Kim has displayed remarkable consistency, firing three consecutive rounds of 68 or better.
The field behind the leaders features a formidable group of major champions, including Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, and Shane Lowry. All are currently sitting at 4-under, six shots adrift of Burns. While these seasoned players have the experience to mount a charge, their performance will depend heavily on their ability to overcome the challenges that have plagued the field this week, particularly the difficult conditions on the greens.
Stakes and Challenges
For Burns, Sunday represents a chance to rectify the disappointment of last month’s near-miss at Shinnecock Hills, where he finished as the runner-up. The pressure at Royal Birkdale is amplified by the presence of players like Bryson DeChambeau, who remains in the hunt at 6-under. The final group will see Burns paired with Ryan Fox, a pairing that underscores the unpredictable nature of this year’s Open.
The tactical challenges of Royal Birkdale have been evident throughout the week. Players have struggled with the firm links layout, leading to high-wire acts and creative shot-making. With the weather conditions remaining relatively scoreable, the final round is expected to reward those who can maintain composure and avoid the bogeys that have cost other contenders, such as Cameron Young, their spots at the top of the leaderboard.