Sam Burns Leads U.S. Open Amid⁤ Oakmont Challenges

⁤ ⁤ Updated June 14, 2025

OAKMONT, Pa. — Sam Burns carded a 5-under 65 to grab the led at the U.S.‍ Open,capitalizing on favorable morning conditions. Burns’ strong finish ⁤contrasted sharply with the struggles of other contenders as Oakmont presented its notorious challenges.The ⁤U.S. Open leaderboard saw significant shifts ‍as the day progressed.

Rory McIlroy, despite a display of frustration that included throwing a club, managed to birdie the 18th, securing ⁢his place for the weekend rounds. Meanwhile, Shane⁢ Lowry incurred a penalty after picking‍ up his ball without marking it.

Thriston Lawrence briefly reached 6-under before a series of bogeys and a double-bogey derailed his momentum. thomas Detry echoed the⁢ sentiments of many, acknowledging the difficulty of⁤ avoiding double bogeys on the demanding course.

Phil Mickelson, in what is expected to be his last U.S. Open appearance, missed the cut after carding‍ two double bogeys in his final four⁢ holes. The second ⁤round faced further disruption when bad weather suspended play, leaving 13 players⁤ to complete their rounds‍ Saturday⁢ morning.

Scottie Scheffler, despite recent victories, struggled to find ⁤his form, posting his⁣ sixth consecutive ⁣over-par⁣ round at the ⁣U.S. Open. He trails Burns by seven strokes.

J.J. Spaun fell from a share ‍of the lead after a bogey on the 18th, settling one shot⁢ behind Burns. Viktor Hovland, showcasing resilience, is also in ⁢contention, ‍two shots off the lead.

Burns attributed his success to⁣ mental planning and capitalizing on the morning’s calmer conditions. He‍ emphasized the importance of focusing on the positives despite a difficult finish in the previous round. “I played really well yesterday other than the ⁤finishing holes. So ⁤I think today was just kind of getting mentally ready to come out and try to put ⁢a good round together,” Burns said.

Hovland acknowledged the mental ⁢and physical exhaustion of navigating ‍Oakmont, noting the importance of maintaining composure. “Definitely tired,‍ exhausted because you’re just focusing so much on every single shot,” Hovland ⁢said.

Adam Scott ‍and Ben Griffin are also in the mix, both finishing at even-par. Brooks Koepka⁢ remains within striking distance, five shots behind the lead.

jon Rahm expressed his frustration with his putting performance, highlighting the overall difficulty of the course.”Honestly, to⁣ annoyed and too mad right now to think about any perspective,” ⁤Rahm said.

Burns emphasized the significance of ⁤a crucial par save on the ninth hole, highlighting the challenges posed by Oakmont’s demanding ⁤layout.”That putt was, I don’t‍ know, 6 feet of ⁢break,” he said. “Yeah, it was a nice one to⁤ make for sure.”

What’s next

the ‍remaining players will resume the second round Saturday morning, followed by the third round. The field aims to navigate Oakmont’s challenges in pursuit of the U.S. Open title.