OAKMONT, Pa. — Whenever the U.S. Open returns to Oakmont Country Club, discussions invariably focus on two key statistics. Oakmont is renowned for its exceptionally difficult course, often pushing the boundaries of playability. The winning score and the number of players who finish under par are regarded as benchmarks of this challenge and celebrated by the club.
Looking back, the 2016 tournament saw ten players begin the final round under par, but only four maintained that status by the end. In 2007, merely two golfers finished any single round under par, both occurring in the first round. Ángel Cabrera ultimately secured the trophy that year with a score of 5-over par.
Oakmont`s tendency to penalize shots left and right makes it incredibly hard for players to distance themselves from the competition. However, on Saturday, as the evening sun illuminated the course, four players managed to do just that. Fittingly, these were the same four who had navigated the challenging layout for 54 holes and remained under par.
“This golf course is difficult,” stated Sam Burns, who holds the 54-hole lead at 4-under. “It takes a lot of patience. I`ve probably said that a hundred times.”
This U.S. Open leaderboard might not be what many golf enthusiasts or television networks envisioned before the week began. After all, the past six major championships were won by players currently ranked within the world`s top 10. Yet, the group of four leaders – Burns, Adam Scott, J.J. Spaun, and Viktor Hovland – sets the stage for a compelling and diverse final round.
Consider Sam Burns, the 28-year-old professional since 2017. He has five PGA Tour victories but has never come close to contending in a major in 19 previous attempts. His best finish was a late charge into the top 10 at the U.S. Open last year.
Burns is widely known for his excellent putting and his close friendship with Scottie Scheffler. Prior to this week, he hadn`t been in a position in a major championship that would garner significant attention from casual fans. Yet, he has clearly found his form at Oakmont.
Predictably, Burns` putting has been outstanding, tying for the fewest putts per round and sinking an impressive 12 birdies. But his iron and wedge play has also been top-tier, leading the field in strokes gained: approach. Now, he stands on the verge of an unexpected achievement.
“It would be incredible,” Burns remarked about the prospect of winning a major. “Growing up as a kid, you dream about winning major championships. That`s the reason we practice and work so diligently.”
As surprising as a Burns victory would be, the player he was paired with on Saturday might represent an even greater disruption to the golf hierarchy. J.J. Spaun, a 34-year-old career journeyman, has only one PGA Tour win to his name, secured 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 claimed the win.
Many might have thought that was the last time Spaun would be in such a prominent position. However, the Los Angeles native has been playing perhaps the best golf of his career and is now 3-under at Oakmont after three rounds, just one stroke behind Burns. Only five players on Tour this year have demonstrated better ball striking. This week at Oakmont, while his approach play has been solid (ranking 21st), his putting has been particularly hot, gaining nearly three strokes on the field.
“I`m not putting too much pressure [on myself],” Spaun commented, later adding, “This is definitely the best I`ve played in my career.”
In contrast to Spaun or Burns, this tournament does not represent Viktor Hovland`s career peak. Far from it.
Just two years ago, Hovland finished inside the top 20 in all four majors, including a tie for second at the PGA Championship. That same year, he set a course record 61 on Sunday to win the BMW Championship. However, 2024 has seen him miss four cuts, switch coaches twice, and openly discuss his constant search for swing perfection. Hovland shot a 70 on Saturday, leaving him at 1-under and three shots behind Burns. On paper, he is arguably the most accomplished player among the four. Yet, the former U.S. Amateur champion, who has felt close to a major victory multiple times, seems to have incorporated a degree of mental frustration into his process.
“I`m pretty happy with how I battled out there,” Hovland said. “But I`m a little annoyed with my driver. I just can`t seem to sort it out. It`s been a persistent issue all year, which is kind of irritating.”
At times, it appears Hovland is more bothered by a specific swing or ball flight than by his actual score. His mind seems focused on mental images and sensations rather than statistics or the scoreboard.
“Of course, we all aspire to win; that`s why we train so diligently,” Hovland stated. “But there`s also a deep passion within me to execute the shots. I want to stand on the tee and hit the ball exactly as I visualize it. When the ball doesn`t perform that way, it bothers me.”
“I`m fully aware I have a chance tomorrow, and if I play a low round, anything is possible. But there are many skilled players around me. Adam Scott played a magnificent round today, hardly missing a shot. That will require me to play exceptionally well tomorrow.”
While Hovland, Spaun, and Burns are all chasing their first major championship title, the player they must overcome has consecutively played in 96 majors.
Adam Scott is the only player near the top of the leaderboard whose win wouldn`t be about establishing a legacy, but rather enhancing one. Twenty-two years ago, he won his first PGA Tour event. Twelve years ago, he claimed his sole major championship: a thrilling playoff victory at Augusta National, earning him a coveted green jacket and etching his name in golf history.
On Sunday, Scott, at 44 years old, could achieve potentially more impressive history. A victory would make him the only player to win majors 12 years apart and the second oldest U.S. Open champion.
After recording a second straight round of even-par 70 on Friday, a smiling Scott lightheartedly described it as playing “old-man par.” Saturday demanded a better performance, and he delivered with a 3-under 67, showcasing glimpses of his classic ball striking and placing him in the final group for Sunday.
“I`d be extremely proud to win this tournament this weekend. That`s genuinely what I`m here aiming for,” Scott stated on Friday. “For the past month or six weeks, there probably haven`t been many outward signs to others, but I feel my game improving. I definitely feel more confident than I have earlier this year.”
Scott`s composed demeanor can sometimes mask his intense competitiveness, which is easy to overlook given he hasn`t seriously contended in a major since 2019 and has only one top-10 finish in the last six years. However, he speaks of a continuous drive for that elusive second major win.
“I haven`t been in this kind of position – or felt like I`m capable of being this player – for five or six years,” Scott reflected. “But that`s always my goal. If I were to succeed tomorrow, it would require an outstanding round of golf and would be a remarkable addition to my career accomplishments.”
As Scott walked up Oakmont`s 18th fairway on Saturday, the crowd cheered with noticeable enthusiasm. He will likely be the gallery favorite on Sunday. Scott, as is typical, appeared unaffected. He completed a few media interviews and then quietly departed the premises.
Hovland, meanwhile, stayed behind, heading directly to the driving range to practice with his driver well into the Pittsburgh night, still seeking the swing he envisions. He was alone. Earlier, Spaun mentioned his plan to go back to the hotel for dinner, perhaps ordering room service with his wife and two daughters.
These different approaches served as another reminder of the contrasts among these four players vying for the prestigious U.S. Open title. On Sunday, the relentless test that is a U.S. Open at Oakmont might challenge them further, but for now, all attention is on the leading quartet. As they tackle the final 18 holes, they share the same objective, knowing that regardless of the winning score or the number of players finishing under par, only one can ultimately prevail.
Marcus Blakely