# Sam Burns Commands the Chaos at Royal Birkdale

**By Amelie Fontaine**  \nPublished July 28, 2026  \nUpdated July 28, 2026

> The 154th Open Championship is on the verge of a new era. With nearly everyone in the top ten hunting their first major, Sam Burns holds a two-shot cushion at Royal Birkdale.

The 154th Open Championship is currently behaving like a pressure cooker, and as the field prepares for the final round at Royal Birkdale, the most compelling narrative isn't about established legends defending territory—it is about the hungry pursuit of a first major title.

The evidence is stark: among the top ten players following the third round of play, only Bryson DeChambeau has already secured a major championship. For the rest, Sunday represents more than just a final round; it is a potential gateway to the history books. At the center of this storm is American Sam Burns, who has seized control of the tournament with a superb 65 (-5) on Saturday to reach -10.

## The American Ascent

Sam Burns, 30, currently sits as the 18th player in the world, and his performance at Southport suggests he is playing with the clinical precision required for championship Sunday. While a major victory has narrowly eluded him thus far, Burns has been knocking on the door all season. His recent Grand Slam form—finishing 7th at the Masters and 2nd at the US Open—indicates a player whose ceiling is rapidly rising.

Burns’ path to the lead was not without its hurdles. During Saturday's play, he battled significant misfortune in the bunkers, yet he displayed the composure necessary to navigate the demanding Southport links. Now, with a two-stroke cushion, the American is the man to beat, but the margin is razor-thin.

## The Record-Breakers and the Chasers

The charge behind Burns is defined by explosive scoring and a relentless pace. New Zealander Ryan Fox has emerged as the most immediate threat, sitting at -8 after a stunning 62 (-8) round. Fox’s performance was one of the standout displays of the day, matching a level of play that has revitalized the leaderboard.

He is joined in that chasing pack by South Korea's Si Woo Kim, who also holds steady at -8 after a disciplined 67 (-3). The intensity of the scoring has reached historic proportions; both Fox and Lucas Herbert (AUS) have managed to equal a nine-year-old major championship record by carding an 8-under-par round.

The leaderboard is currently shaped as follows:

PlayerTo ParPositionSam Burns-101stRyan Fox-8T-2ndSi Woo Kim-8T-2ndLucas Herbert-74thBryson DeChambeau-66th

## DeChambeau and the Penalty Controversy

While Burns has surged forward, the tournament's primary talking point remains the controversy surrounding Bryson DeChambeau. The LIV golfer's weekend has been defined by a heavy-handed ruling from officials that has left fans and analysts alike divided.

Late Friday, following the second round, officials assessed DeChambeau with two penalty strokes. The decision was based on the assessment that he had—though without any stated intention—gained an unfair advantage for his swing movement while playing from the rough on the 5th hole. The ruling stripped DeChambeau of his 2nd place position and ignited a wave of controversy among a fan base generally supportive of the golfer.

DeChambeau's Saturday was a game of recovery. Despite the lingering weight of the penalties, he managed to effectively erase one of those strokes through his play, clawing his way back to 6th place, currently four shots adrift of Burns.

## The Fading Contenders

Not everyone found their rhythm on the demanding Royal Birkdale terrain. Frenchman Victor Perez, who had shown strong form earlier in the week, suffered a significant setback. A 73 (+3) on Saturday saw him slide down the rankings, falling toward the 50th position and complicating any hopes of a top-20 finish.

As the sun sets on the third day, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown. Whether the trophy stays with a seasoned major winner like DeChambeau or is hoisted by a newcomer like Burns, Fox, or Kim, the final day promises a tactical battle against one of the world's most exacting courses.

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