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Sam Burns scores eagle on a 131-yard approach at the Travelers’ 14th.
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Southport, England – Sam Burns played a nine-hole practice round on Wednesday at Royal Birkdale in preparation for a tournament he didn’t originally intend to play.
Burns had planned for last month’s US Open to be his last major championship of the year, and with good reason. Burns and his wife Caroline were expecting their second child and the due date was Tuesday, July 14th.
“I expected to be home,” Burns told PGATOUR.com on Wednesday.
But the Burns’ baby girl, Belle, was born early, on July 3, opening the door to a potential run at the Open. Still, Burns wasn’t sure he wanted to travel internationally and leave his one-week-old baby behind.
Burns sought advice from Scotty Schefflerwho also recently welcomed his second child, but it was Burns’ wife who inspired him to go and pushed him over the edge. Late last week, Burns finally decided to make the trip.
Burns’ family remains in Louisiana, including his parents, who are willing to help. Burns said their 2-year-old son, Bear, is already filling big brother duties.
“I still wasn’t sure if I could get there mentally,” Burns said. “It’s just a weird dynamic of having a new baby and you want to be there for him and your family. I think ultimately it was my decision: Can I make it through from the mental standpoint of having to leave?”
Burns said he hadn’t swung a baton for at least four days after Belle arrived, but he hadn’t felt much rust since he’d returned. He arrived in town on Monday and played nine-hole practice rounds every day. On Wednesday morning, Burns played in the back nine alongside Scheffler. At the closing 18th, Burns hit a 4-iron from 220 yards that landed safely on the green.
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If Burns can maintain his form, he is tipped to be favorite at Southport this week. He finished second at the US Open and followed that up with a T12 finish at the Travelers Championship. This is part of four top 20s in a row. He nearly made it to the playoffs at the Memorial Tournament hosted by Workday last month. Burns’ best finish at The Open was T31 in 2024.
“We only get four of these specialties a year,” Burns said. “If this was any other event, I probably wouldn’t be here.”