Sam Burns' Final Two Putts At Shinnecock Hills Still Haunt The U.S. Open

Holy smokes, did you guys see that finish at the U.S. Open? Sam Burns, man. He was right there, literally one putt away from forcing a playoff and maybe, just maybe, grabbing that trophy. He fought like an absolute warrior on Sunday at Shinnecock Hills, turning what could have been another tough major into a stunning showcase of grit. Seriously, the dude came in seven shots back to start the day. Seven shots! And he nearly pulled off one of the most insane comebacks in U.S. Open history. It was heartbreaking to watch those final two putts.

The Agony of What Could Have Been

Burns had everyone on the edge of their seats, especially after that incredible birdie on the 16th hole. He was trailing Wyndham Clark by just one shot, and you could feel the tension. He then gave himself two prime looks at birdie on the 17th and 18th, shots that would have tied Clark at 4 under. A "weak effort" on No. 17, and then the gut-punch: a painful miss on the right lip on No. 18. We all saw him collapse to his knees, knowing deep down it wasn't quite enough. "Hit a really good shot in there on 17, and just a terrible read and not a very good putt," Burns admitted. "Then to have the chance on 18, I really thought I made that putt. I hit it exactly how I wanted with the speed I wanted and just didn't go in." It's brutal. You could practically hear the collective gasp across the golf world. Clark did just enough on his final three holes to close it out at 4 under, claiming his second U.S. Open title by one shot over Burns.

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From Oakmont's Collapse to Shinnecock's Redemption

But here's the kicker, and why this run felt so different: it was a huge redemption story for Burns. Think back to last year's U.S. Open at Oakmont. Remember that? He was the 54-hole leader, carrying all the pressure. And he melted. An 8-over final round, the fourth-worst among 66 golfers that Sunday, dropping him to a T7 finish. The lasting image? Trying to get relief from standing water on the 15th, then making a double bogey. For years, people questioned if he had that "extra gear" to win a major, even with his five PGA Tour wins between 2021 and 2023. Oakmont became Exhibit A for the doubters.

This time? Even in defeat, it was a totally different vibe. "I would say, last year at Oakmont, I felt more I lost the golf tournament. I certainly don't feel that way today," Burns said. "I think I did my best, and I did everything I could to have a chance to win today." He started seven shots back, remember? That's nearly impossible against someone playing as well as Clark. This wasn't a loss of nerve, this was a fight to the very end.

So, while he didn't lift the trophy this time, Sam Burns proved he belongs in the major conversation. He stared down his past and delivered an incredible performance. Next time he's in contention, everyone's going to be watching, knowing he's got that fight in him.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.