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.

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.

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).

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 took a one-shot lead into the final round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont. From there, things did not go well.

Sam Burns and Adam Scott started the last round of the U.S. Open in the final group, one shot separating them in first and second place.

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 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.

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.

Quite simply, pick a move you want to make in your swing, then start doing it in your pre-shot routine. Congratulations, now you've got a New School Waggle, just like a 2025 U.S. Open contender.