Live at The Open 2026: Round 4 heats up as McIlroy charges—tee times & scores
Scottie Scheffler Talks About Friend Sam Burns Leading the Tournament
What’s Happening in the Golf Tournament?
Imagine the world’s best golfer is playing in a big competition. That’s Scottie Scheffler — he is ranked Number 1 in the world and is the defending champion (meaning he won this event last time).
Here is the current situation:
- Scottie will start the final round (the last day of playing) six shots behind his close friend Sam Burns.
- Being "six shots behind" means Sam is doing better by 6 hits of the ball.
- Sam is leading the tournament after 54 holes.
- A "hole" is one part of a golf course you try to hit the ball into.
- 54 holes means three days of playing are done, and the final round is left.
What Did Scottie Say After Round 3?
After his third round, Scottie scored an even-par 70.
- "Even-par" means he played exactly as expected for that course.
- He told reporters he is not surprised to see Sam at the top.
Scottie’s Words About Sam (In Simple Terms)
Scottie shared why he thinks Sam is so good:
- They spend lots of time together:
“He’s someone I spend so much time around. I know how good he is.”
- Experience helps you win:
“Sometimes you just need to continue to build that experience and put yourself in the positions.”
- Sam was almost there before:
“He was close at the U.S. Open last year. He was close again at the U.S. Open this year.”
- The U.S. Open is one of the biggest golf tournaments.
- Sam plays great in big events:
“He’s played a lot of really good golf in a lot of the biggest tournaments.”
- Winning a lot is hard:
“It’s really difficult to win out here a bunch of times.”
- Sam keeps trying:
“Sam’s a guy that’s been knocking on the door a few times this year and hasn’t been able to get it done.”
- "Knocking on the door" means almost winning but not yet.
- Keep showing up:
“But it’s just a matter of continuing to give yourself opportunities, continuing to knock on the door.”
- Sam is proven with teams:
“Sam’s a guy that’s been on the last few Ryder Cups, last few Presidents Cups.”
- These are special team events where countries compete.
- Scottie believes in him:
“He’s a guy that I see all the time. He’s got a ton of talent. For me, it’s just a matter of time until he gets it done in one of these.”
Important Point
Scottie Scheffler is not shocked that his friend Sam Burns is leading. He believes Sam is super talented and will win a big tournament soon if he keeps trying.
Summary
World Number 1 and defending champ Scottie Scheffler starts the final round six shots behind his friend Sam Burns, who leads after 54 holes. Scottie shot an even-par 70 in round three and said he expected Sam to do well. He explained that Sam has been close to winning big events like the U.S. Open, plays well in major tournaments, and just needs more chances to break through. Scottie is confident Sam will win one of these big events soon.
FAQ
1. Who is Scottie Scheffler?
He is the world’s Number 1 golfer and the defending champion of this tournament.
2. What does “six shots behind” mean?
It means Sam Burns is ahead by six hits of the ball going into the final round.
3. What is “even-par 70”?
It means Scottie played the third round exactly at the expected score for that course, with a total of 70 strokes.
4. What does “knocking on the door” mean in golf?
It means a player keeps getting close to winning but hasn’t won yet.
5. Why does Scottie think Sam will win soon?
Because Sam is very talented, has lots of experience in big events, and keeps giving himself chances to win.

