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Sam Burns Leads The Open at Royal Birkdale After Birth of Daughter Belle

Consecutive rounds of 62 and 65 produced the lowest 36-hole total in major history, leaving him two shots clear for the final round.

Overview

  • Burns sits at 10-under and will take a two-shot lead into Sunday’s final round at Royal Birkdale after shooting a third-round 65.
  • His daughter Belle was born early on July 3, a development that initially had him planning to stay home rather than play the Open.
  • Burns said his wife Caroline encouraged him to travel to England while she stayed home with the children and her parents, and his agent had registered him as a contingency.
  • He rallied from an opening 73 by firing a record-tying 62 on Friday and a 65 on Saturday, a 62-65 pair that produced the lowest consecutive 36-hole score in major championship history.
  • Burns is a five-time PGA Tour winner still seeking his first major title and he credits family support for clearing the mental hurdle of competing so soon after Belle’s birth, a factor that could shape his approach in the final round.