Burns takes lead at Royal Birkdale
Sam Burns has secured a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Burns carded a five-under 65 in the third round, bringing his total to 10-under par. This performance follows a 62 in the previous round.
Burns’ presence at the tournament was unexpected, as his wife’s due date for their daughter, Belle, was originally set for the week of the championship. However, Belle arrived 11 days early, allowing Burns to participate. His wife, Caroline, encouraged him to play, telling him to focus on the tournament.
The American golfer was not initially considered a top contender for the Open, with odds as high as 35-1 a few weeks prior. Now, he is a favourite to win his first major title.
Chasing pack remains in contention
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and South Korea’s Kim Si-woo are currently tied for second, two shots behind Burns. Fox began the third round with a 62, becoming the seventh player in history to achieve such a low score at a major, and the third in 24 hours. He was the clubhouse leader for a period, finishing at eight-under overall.
Kim Si-woo also recorded a second consecutive 67, placing him firmly in contention. No player from South Korea has ever held a 54-hole lead or co-lead at the Open.
Bryson DeChambeau, despite a two-shot penalty in the second round, remains within striking distance at six-under after a third-round 69. He is four shots behind Burns. Ludvig Åberg is also at six-under.
Local favourite Tommy Fleetwood is five shots off the lead at five-under. He expressed some frustration with his finish in the third round but remains hopeful for the final day.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is at four-under, six shots back from the leader. Scheffler has struggled with his putting throughout the tournament, ranking 71st in strokes gained on the green among 78 players. He acknowledged the challenge but noted that morning conditions at Royal Birkdale can lead to low scores, offering a potential path to close the gap.
Other notable players at four-under include Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele. These golfers will be looking for strong performances in the final round to challenge Burns for the championship.
Conditions and strategies for the final day
The conditions at Royal Birkdale have played a significant role in scoring. Fox benefited from the more sedate morning conditions in the third round, which allowed for lower scores due to softer greens and less wind. He noted that the course is firm and fast, but the mornings provide an opportunity for players to capitalize on perfect green conditions.
Scheffler also highlighted the significant change in conditions between morning and afternoon, suggesting that an earlier start in the final round could be advantageous for those looking to make a charge. The ability to adapt to these changing conditions will be crucial for all contenders.
Burns will be paired with Ryan Fox in the final round.
The final round of the Open Championship will see Burns aiming to maintain his lead against a field of strong competitors, including Fox and Kim Si-woo, who are just two shots behind.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
