OAKMONT, PA. Over the last five US Opens played at Oakmont only one 54-hole leader has made it to the finish line — Ernie Els. And the South African was only able to accomplish that in an 18-hole playoff with Loren Roberts and Colin Montgomerie.
Amazingly, Els only got into the playoff when Roberts missed a six-foot putt at the final hole coupled with Ernie having to make a clutch bogey after missing the fairway wide left.
Final round US Opens are anything but predictable.
54-hole-leader Sam Burns is seeking to secure his first major championship and join Els in being able to secure the title.
If past championships at Oakmont are any guide the pathway to the ultimate promised land will be anything but easy.
Significant comebacks have happened in past US Opens at Oakmont. In 1973 Johnny Miller trailed by six shots and then posted a record 63 final round to win by one shot.
Ten years later Larry Nelson barely made the 36-hole cut before coming from seven shots behind and scoring back-to-back rounds of 65-67 to end a possible defense of his Open title by Tom Watson.
Burns has played superbly through 54 holes but he has never led a major championship with one round to play.
The range of emotions will be a constant matter for Burns to overcome. Oakmont does not give away anything. Securing a US Open title is a legacy moment.
The greatness of Tiger Woods came from playing his best when moments mattered. Woods won fourteen consecutive majors with either an outright lead or tied after 54 holes.
Today’s Sunday round will demonstrate whether the blaze Sam has garnered can be sustained to fruition.
Related: Teetimes – Round 4
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”