Sam Burns tees off on the 16th hole during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa.
| Photo Credit: AP

Sam Burns matched the third-best US Open round ever fired at Oakmont, shooting a five-under par 65 to seize a one-stroke lead after Friday’s (June 13, 2025) second round as big names struggled.

The 28-year-old American made six birdies against a lone bogey to stand on three-under 137 after 36 holes on the punishing layout.

American J.J. Spaun made bogeys on three of the last four holes to shoot 72 and stand second on 138 with Norway’s Viktor Hovland third on 139 after a 68 — the top trio being the only players under par after 36 holes.

Heavy rains drenched Oakmont, halting play for the day at 8:15 p.m. local time with 13 golfers yet to finish their second rounds.

The top scores: 137 – Sam Burns 72-65; 138 – J.J. Spaun 66-72; 139 – Viktor Hovland 71-68; 140 – Ben Griffin 69-71, Adam Scott 70-70.

141 – Victor Perez 71-70; 142 – Kim Si-Woo 68-74, Thomas Detry 69-73, Russell Henley 70-72, Brooks Koepka 68-74.