Sam Burns Chases First Major at Royal Birkdale After Record-Tying 62

Sam Burns was not even supposed to be at Royal Birkdale this week. Following the birth of his daughter Belle on July 3, the Louisiana native planned to skip the 154th Open Championship. Encouraged by his wife to make the trip, Burns is now 18 holes away from his first major championship. Burns followed up a record-tying 62 on Friday with a stellar 5-under 65 on moving day, building a two-shot lead at 10-under par. He sits just ahead of Si Woo Kim and Ryan Fox, the latter of whom also tied the major championship scoring record with a 62 of his own. The Saturday round was not without drama, as Burns played alongside Bryson DeChambeau. The LIV Golf star spent the day protesting a two-shot penalty assessed on Friday for improving his swing path, playing to the gallery while firing a 69 to sit four shots back. Despite the circus atmosphere, Burns remained locked in. The SBA Takeaway Burns enters the final round as the betting favorite (+138), but holding a 54-hole major lead is a familiar and painful position for him. He held the lead at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont before a final-round 78 derailed his hopes, and he narrowly missed a playoff at Shinnecock last month. With Si Woo Kim (+500) and Ryan Fox (+800) right on his heels, and Scottie Scheffler lurking at 4-under, Sunday at Birkdale will be a massive test of nerve. Bettors looking for value might eye the chasers, but Burns has the firepower to finish the job. Related Reading: - Bryson DeChambeau Hit With 2-Shot Penalty as Open Championship Chaos Ensues - Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns Tie Major Record with 62s at Royal Birkdale - 2026 Open Championship Betting Preview: Royal Birkdale Awaits