Sam Burns Gets Emotional Calling Wife a ‘Superhero’ After Major Championship Record Sam Burns delivered one of the most extraordinary performances in major championship history on Friday at the 154th Open Championship, carding an eight-under 62 at Royal Birkdale to match the lowest single-round score ever recorded in a men’s major. The PGA Tour star surged into contention after starting the day at three over par, joining Lucas Herbert in equaling the championship record during a remarkable second round. Burns’ achievement carried added significance, as he had nearly missed the final major of the season altogether due to personal circumstances. Burns and his wife welcomed their second child, a daughter, just two weeks prior, and he had initially no intention of traveling to The Open. Speaking after his record-tying round, Burns credited his wife for making the trip possible, calling her a “superhero.” His decision to compete was not made lightly, as he had expected to miss the tournament entirely. Burns revealed that before his daughter’s birth on July 3, he believed there was “0% chance” he would play. His agent, Brett, had signed him up “just in case,” but Burns had assumed he would not be able to participate. Even after the birth, Burns did not expect to make the trip. “I still wasn’t expecting to play by any means,” he admitted. However, after several conversations with his wife, she encouraged him to attend the tournament. “She’s just amazing, a superhero. And if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. His decision quickly paid off, as his second-round 62 moved him to five under par and firmly into contention heading into the weekend. Burns’ 62 matched the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major championship, a mark first set by Branden Grace at Royal Birkdale in 2017.#scottie_scheffler #sam_burns #royal_birkdale #lucas_herbert #branden_grace
Masters 2026: Round One Leaders Set, Key Moments and Player Insights The first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club concluded with a mix of promising performances and missed opportunities, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive final stretch. Leaders Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy carded identical 67s to sit at -5, while a select group of players, including Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, and Scottie Scheffler, remained within striking distance. The tournament’s opening round featured dramatic moments, strategic decisions, and standout shots that highlighted the challenges of the iconic course. Burns and McIlroy dominated the leaderboard, with Burns securing his first Masters victory in 2023 and McIlroy returning to the course after a 13-year absence. McIlroy’s 67 marked his lowest opening round at the Masters since 2011, showcasing his resilience and precision. Meanwhile, Burns, who had previously finished tied for 27th in 2025, demonstrated his ability to adapt to the course’s demands, navigating the greens and fairways with composure. Their performances set the tone for a tightly contested battle for the green jacket. Justin Rose, a former Masters runner-up, made a strong impression with a 69 that left him at -4. The Englishman’s resilience was evident as he bounced back from a bogey on the 14th with a birdie on the par-five 15th. Rose’s 332-yard tee shot on the 15th set up a two-putt birdie, bringing him within a shot of the lead. His ability to recover from a shaky 16th green putts and maintain composure under pressure underscored his potential to contend for the title. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, struggled with missed opportunities, including a 12-foot putt that narrowly missed the hole on the 13th.#augusta_national_golf_club #masters_2026 #sam_burns #rory_mciroy #justin_rose
