Sport

Thrilling Showdown at Oakmont: Sam Burns Dominates Round 2 of the 2025 U.S. Open

2025-06-14

Author: Ken Lee

The Golfing Gauntlet Begins at Oakmont

The 2025 U.S. Open has unfolded dramatically at the notorious Oakmont Country Club, where just three players have managed to break par after two grueling rounds. The course, known as one of the toughest in the nation, has left most of the 156-man field struggling, resulting in a leaderboard that tells a tale of resilience and tenacity.

Sam Burns: The Star of Round 2

Leading the charge is Sam Burns, who delivered a remarkable performance on Friday with a stunning 65, setting the new low score of the tournament. This exceptional round ties for the third-lowest score ever recorded at a U.S. Open held at Oakmont. Burns strategically tackled the easier back nine, firing a blistering 31 before maintaining composure on the challenging front side. After recovering from an early bogey on the 1st hole with birdies on 2 and 4, he finished strong with five consecutive pars, posting a total of 3 under.

Viktor Hovland Chasing the Leader

Closely following is Viktor Hovland, who navigated a wild ride of birdies and bogeys, including an eagle on the drivable par-4 17th. His second-round 68 puts him at 1 under—good enough for solo third place, just two shots behind Burns. Hovland's game has seen remarkable improvement, particularly around the greens, where he led the field in strokes gained.

J.J. Spaun Holds Steady in Second

In second place at 2 under is J.J. Spaun, who displayed grit despite a tougher round that included some late bogeys. Having started strong with a bogey-free first round, Spaun’s ability to bounce back from setbacks keeps him in contention.

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