OAKMONT, Pa. — Whenever the U.S. Open returns to Oakmont Country Club, the conversation inevitably revolves around two specific numbers. This venue, where the club`s ethos is built around a course pushing the boundaries of difficulty to near impossibility, takes pride in highlighting the winning score and the select few who finish under par.
During the 2016 tournament, ten players were under par entering the final round, yet only four remained below par by the end. In 2007, merely two golfers were under par at any point, both doing so in the first round. Ultimately, Ángel Cabrera claimed the trophy with a score of 5-over.
Oakmont`s notorious ability to challenge golfers at every turn makes it difficult for players to distinguish themselves. However, on Saturday, as the course bathed in the late afternoon light, four competitors managed to do just that. Appropriately, these were the only four who had navigated Oakmont`s demanding layout for 54 holes and remained under par.
“I`ve said it countless times, this golf course is tough,” remarked Sam Burns, who holds a one-shot lead at 4-under heading into the final round. “It demands a great deal of patience.”
The group atop the leaderboard might not be the one golf fans or television networks initially envisioned for a U.S. Open finale. The winners of the last six major championships have all been players currently ranked within the world`s top 10. Yet, the quartet of Sam Burns, Adam Scott, J.J. Spaun, and Viktor Hovland promises a compelling and diverse final Sunday.
Consider Burns. The 28-year-old turned professional in 2017 and boasts five PGA Tour victories. However, in 19 previous major starts, he has never truly contended, his best finish being a late surge into the top 10 at last year`s U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
Many golf followers know Burns primarily for his exceptional putting and his close friendship with Scottie Scheffler. Prior to this week, he hadn`t put himself in a position where casual fans might form a strong opinion of his major championship prospects. Yet, Burns has clearly found something special at Oakmont.
As expected, Burns` putting has been superb this week, tying for the fewest putts per round and making a remarkable 12 birdies. Crucially, his iron and wedge play has been unmatched, leading the field in strokes gained: approach. Now, he stands on the verge of an unexpected triumph.
“It would be incredible,” Burns stated regarding the possibility of a major victory. “Growing up as a kid, you dream of winning major championships, and that`s the motivation behind all the hard practice and work.”
While a Burns victory would be surprising, the player he was paired with on Saturday might represent an even bigger shock to the golf world. J.J. Spaun is a career journeyman. At 34, his sole PGA Tour win came three years ago at the Valero Texas Open. Earlier this year, he faced Rory McIlroy in a playoff at the Players Championship, appearing to falter under pressure as McIlroy secured the win.
Some might have anticipated that being Spaun`s last moment in the spotlight. However, the Los Angeles native has continued to play the best golf of his career and is now 3-under par at Oakmont after three rounds, just one shot behind Burns. Only five players on Tour this year have demonstrated better ball-striking statistics than him. This week, his approach play has been solid (ranking 21st in the field), but it`s his putter that has truly excelled, gaining him nearly three strokes on the competition.
“I`m not putting too much pressure on myself,” Spaun commented, later adding, “This is undoubtedly the best I`ve ever played in my career.”
Unlike Spaun or Burns, this week does not represent Viktor Hovland`s career peak. Not even close.
Two years ago, Hovland finished in the top 20 in every major, including a tie for second at the PGA Championship. That same year, he shattered a course record en route to winning the BMW Championship. However, 2024 saw him miss four cuts, change coaches twice, and openly discuss his ongoing struggle to find a perfect swing. Hovland`s round of 70 on Saturday placed him at 1-under, three shots behind Burns. On paper, he is the most accomplished player among the four leaders. In reality, the former U.S. Amateur champion, who has been on the cusp of his first major multiple times, seems to embrace a certain degree of internal conflict regarding his game.
“I`m reasonably satisfied with how I fought out there,” Hovland said. “I`m a little frustrated with my driver, though. I just can`t seem to figure it out. It`s been a persistent issue all year, which is pretty annoying.”
Sometimes, it appears Hovland is more bothered by a specific swing mechanic or ball flight than by his actual score. It`s as if his mind operates more on mental images and sensations rather than numbers and statistics.
“Naturally, we all aspire to win; that`s why we practice so diligently,” Hovland explained. “But there`s also a profound passion within me to execute the shots. I want to stand on the tee and hit the shots exactly as I envision them. When the ball doesn`t respond that way, it troubles me.
| After Round 3 | |
|---|---|
| Sam Burns | +180 |
| Adam Scott | +325 |
| J.J. Spaun | +400 |
| Viktor Hovland | +550 |
| Odds by ESPN BET | |
“I am well aware that I have a chance tomorrow, and if I manage a low score, anything is possible. However, there are many strong players around me. Adam Scott played brilliantly today, barely missing a shot. That compels me to play exceptionally well tomorrow.”
While Hovland, Spaun, and Burns are seeking their first major championship victory, the player they must overcome has participated in an incredible 96 consecutive majors.
Adam Scott is the only one near the top of the leaderboard whose victory on Sunday would add to his legacy rather than define it. Twenty-two years ago, he won his inaugural PGA Tour event. Twelve years ago, he secured his single major title: a dramatic playoff win at Augusta National, earning him the coveted green jacket and a place in golf history.
Should Scott win on Sunday, even more remarkable history awaits: at 44, he would become the only player to achieve a 12-year gap between major victories and the second oldest winner of the U.S. Open.
After shooting a second consecutive round of even-par 70 on Friday, a smiling Scott humorously described his play as “old-man par.” Saturday demanded better, and he delivered, posting a 3-under 67 that earned him a spot in the final group and showcased flashes of his classic ball-striking prowess.
“Winning this event on the weekend would be something I`d be incredibly proud of. Right now, that`s precisely what I`m here to accomplish,” Scott stated on Friday. “It feels like perhaps the signs haven`t been apparent to anyone else but me over the last month or six weeks that my game is improving. But I definitely feel more confident than I have earlier this year.”
Scott`s composed demeanor can sometimes mask his deep competitiveness, which is easy to overlook since he hasn`t genuinely contended for a major since 2019, with only one top-10 finish in the last six years. However, based on his words, he has never stopped striving for that elusive second major championship.
“I haven`t been in this position for five or six years – or felt like I was playing like that player,” Scott reflected. “But that`s what I`m always working toward. If I were to pull it off tomorrow, it would require a magnificent round of golf and serve as a significant exclamation point on my career record.”
As Scott walked up Oakmont`s 18th fairway on Saturday, the crowd`s cheers carried a distinct enthusiasm. He is likely to be the gallery favorite on Sunday. Yet, Scott, as is characteristic, appeared undisturbed by the attention. He completed his media obligations and departed the premises quietly.
Hovland, conversely, lingered. He headed straight to the driving range, hitting balls with his driver into the fading Pittsburgh light, still searching for the feel and shape he envisioned. No one else joined him. Earlier, Spaun mentioned his plans to go home, have dinner, perhaps ordering room service with his wife and two daughters who are staying at the hotel.
Their differing post-round routines served as another reminder of how unique these four players vying for the prestigious U.S. Open title truly are. On Sunday, the war of attrition that is a U.S. Open at Oakmont might reveal other contenders, but for now, all attention is focused on the leading quartet. As they face the final 18 holes, they are united in their goal, knowing that regardless of the winning score or how many players finish under par, only one will emerge victorious.
