American golfer Sam Burns moved into the lead at the British Open after posting a five-under-par 65 in the third round. His score brought him to 10 under overall, giving him a two-shot advantage over fellow countryman Bryson DeChambeau. Burns had struggled early in the tournament, finishing his opening round with a 73. Since then, he has found his form and is now aiming for his first major championship victory.
DeChambeau, who faced a penalty earlier in the week after a rules infraction, played another solid round but ended the day with a bogey on the final hole. He remains close behind, trailing Burns by four shots. The American’s performance was notable as he managed to stay focused despite controversy surrounding his participation.
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox also made headlines with a record-equalling 62 in the third round. His score put him at eight under par alongside South Korean Kim Si-woo and Americans Ryan Gerard and Lucas Herbert, who were tied at seven under. Fox’s round was part of a surge of low scores on the bone-dry links course.
Burns’ performance stood out as he managed to stay ahead of the competition. He birdied several holes, including a 14-foot putt on the fourth hole and a beautiful wedge shot into the eighth hole. His final round included a crucial birdie on the 14th hole that pushed him into sole possession of the lead.
Despite the high level of play, Burns remained grounded in his approach. He said he would need to execute well on Sunday to secure the win. His family was also in the mix as he prepared for the final round. His wife Caroline had recently given birth to their daughter Belle, and he was eager to see them again after the tournament.
Scottie Scheffler struggled with his putting during the day and carded a level-par 70. The defending champion remains six shots behind the leaders but could still make a move if his putter starts to cooperate. Tommy Fleetwood, a local favorite, was among those in contention at five under after a round of 69.
The tournament has seen several impressive low scores, with Fox’s 62 joining others from recent major events. Only five rounds as low as 62 had been recorded in men’s major history before this week. The number now stands at eight, with Burns and Herbert also posting 62s earlier in the week.
Lucas Herbert, who began his second round with a record-tying 62, was another standout performer. He had started the day at even par but quickly moved into contention. His front nine included birdies on each of the first three holes and several more through the middle of the round. Herbert’s performance was especially surprising given his previous finishes in major championships.
Herbert’s rise to prominence has been gradual, but he now finds himself in a strong position at the top of the leaderboard. His success in recent tournaments has drawn attention, and his ability to play under pressure is evident. Despite missing the cut in several majors before this, he has shown that he can compete with the best.
The final round promises to be a thrilling battle between Burns, DeChambeau, and others still in contention. With the course conditions favoring low scores, the outcome remains uncertain. The British Open is known for its unpredictable nature, and this year’s event has been no exception.
Burns’ journey to this point was unexpected. Originally planning to sit out the tournament after his daughter’s birth, he decided to join the field at Royal Birkdale. His performance has been a testament to his resilience and skill. With his family watching from home, he is determined to make the most of his opportunity.
The weekend will bring more drama as players attempt to close out the event. Burns’ lead may not hold for long, but his performance so far has shown that he can rise to the occasion. Whether he claims his first major or not, his run in this tournament is already a highlight of his career.
IMAGE: Sam Burns during the 2025 Ryder Cup Bryan Berlin – Own work CC BY-SA 4.0
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