Sam Burns fell apart during the final round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont on Sunday, and a controversial ruling on No. 15 may have contributed to his collapse.

Like any savvy patient who gets a bad diagnosis, Sam Burns wanted a second opinion. When his drive on Oakmont’s par-4 15th hole stayed on the fairway next to the first cut, he seemed to catch a good break.

Burns converts the birdie following a brilliant tee shot on the par-3 13th. He’s at 4 under, one clear of playing competitor J.J. Spaun. The 44-year-old birdies the par-3 13th to get to 1 under. He’s two off the lead, seeking his second major title (2013 Masters).

Sam Burns entered the final round of the 2025 U.S. Open in the lead, and it appeared he might be the only player to survive Oakmont. That was not the case.

It just showed a clever bit of awareness and foresight. In the heat of the pressure and the pouring rain, Burns stopped himself from making a potentially very costly error. It was a small moment, but the kind of decision that wins U.S. Opens.

Sam Burns was tied for the lead at the U.S. Open when he stepped onto the 15th tee at Oakmont on Sunday. Minutes later, his tournament hopes were over. What happened in between? A disputed ruling, a double bogey,

Sam Burns saw his U.S. Open hopes drown with one controversial decision. Burns was forced to hit out of a soggy lie on the fairway of the 15th hole of Sunday’s final round at Oakmont after asking two rules officials to take a drop.

Burns was twice denied relief from perceived temporary water on the 15th hole Sunday at Oakmont before double-bogeying the hole and losing the U.S. Open by five shots.

Sam Burns revealed the role that his friend, Scottie Scheffler, has played in his career, including his status as the 54-hole leader of the 2025 U.S. Open.