What Happened
In the second round of the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, golfer Sam Burns delivered an impressive performance, shooting a five-under-par 65. This round has drawn comparisons to legendary scores in U.S. Open history, particularly Johnny Miller’s iconic final-round 63 in 1973, which remains one of the most celebrated rounds in the tournament’s history. Burns’ score not only positioned him favorably on the leaderboard but also raised the possibility that it could be statistically superior to Miller’s renowned round, depending on how the rest of the tournament unfolds.
As Burns excelled, world number one Scottie Scheffler struggled to maintain his position, finishing the second round at four over par. Despite his challenges, Scheffler expressed confidence in his ability to remain competitive in the tournament. Other notable players, including Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy, also faced difficulties, with Hovland managing to stay within striking distance of the leaders.
Key Details
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Sam Burns’ Performance: Burns recorded six birdies during his round, finishing with a score of 65, which brought him to three under par overall after two rounds. His performance was highlighted by a remarkable 22-foot par save on the ninth hole.
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Comparison to Johnny Miller: Burns’ score is being compared to Miller’s 63, which was the lowest final-round score by a winner in U.S. Open history. Miller’s performance in 1973 is often cited as one of the greatest rounds in golf, with a field average that he surpassed by 10.77 strokes. Burns’ current standing suggests he could challenge or surpass this mark depending on the final outcomes of the tournament.
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Scottie Scheffler’s Struggles: Scheffler, who had been a favorite to win, finished the second round with a score of 71, placing him at four over par. He expressed frustration but remained optimistic about his chances to recover in the later rounds.
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Other Competitors: Viktor Hovland shot a 68, placing him at one under par, while Rory McIlroy began the day at four over par. Both players are still in contention as the tournament progresses.
Multiple Perspectives
The contrasting performances of Burns and Scheffler have led to varied interpretations of their implications for the tournament.
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Support for Burns: Many analysts view Burns’ round as a testament to his skill, particularly his short game, which has been a focus of improvement for him. His ability to recover from a disappointing finish in the first round has also been highlighted as a sign of resilience.
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Concerns for Scheffler: Conversely, Scheffler’s struggles have raised questions about his form and mental state. While he remains a top contender, some commentators suggest that his recent performances may indicate a need for adjustment in his strategy or mental approach to the game.
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Historical Context: The comparison to Miller’s round has sparked debate among golf historians and fans. Some argue that while Burns’ score is impressive, it is essential to consider the different contexts of the two rounds, including course conditions and competition level.
Context & Background
The U.S. Open is one of golf’s four major championships and is known for its challenging courses and high level of competition. Oakmont Country Club, where the 2025 U.S. Open is being held, is renowned for its difficulty, making Burns’ performance particularly noteworthy. The historical significance of Miller’s 63 adds another layer to the narrative, as it represents a benchmark for excellence in the tournament’s history.
Burns’ recent performances leading up to the U.S. Open, including a playoff loss at the RBC Canadian Open, have positioned him as a rising star on the PGA Tour. His ability to contend in major championships has been a topic of discussion, and this tournament could mark a pivotal moment in his career.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As the tournament progresses, several uncertainties remain:
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Future Performance: It is unclear whether Burns can maintain his momentum through the weekend, as the pressure of leading in a major championship can significantly impact a player’s performance.
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Scheffler’s Recovery: How Scheffler will respond to his struggles in the second round remains to be seen. His ability to adjust and perform under pressure will be crucial for his chances in the tournament.
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Comparative Analysis: The ongoing comparison between Burns’ 65 and Miller’s 63 will depend on the outcomes of the remaining rounds, particularly how Burns and other contenders perform in relation to the field average.
In summary, the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont has set the stage for a compelling narrative, with Sam Burns emerging as a potential new star in the making, while Scottie Scheffler’s struggles add intrigue to the competition. The historical context of Johnny Miller’s legendary round continues to resonate, providing a benchmark against which current performances are measured.
