Burns sets major record as Fleetwood’s dream fades at Royal Birkdale
Sam Burns cards historic 127 two-round total while Tommy Fleetwood falls five shots adrift after late bogeys
American Sam Burns has seized control of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, carding a five-under 65 in the third round to take a two-shot lead over New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and South Korea’s Kim Si-woo. Burns’ combined score of 127 across rounds two and three stands as the lowest two-round total in men's major championship history, establishing a formidable barrier for the field heading into Sunday’s finale.
The victory carries significant personal weight for Burns, who initially had no intention of competing at the tournament. His wife, Caroline, persuaded him to travel to Merseyside shortly after their daughter, Belle, was born prematurely on 3 July. Adopting a mindset of having "nothing to lose," the 29-year-old played with evident freedom, birdieing both par fives to secure his position at the top of the leaderboard.
English favourite Tommy Fleetwood saw his hopes of becoming the first home winner since Tony Jacklin in 1969 dim after a third-round 69. Although Fleetwood briefly moved within one shot of the lead on the back nine, late bogeys on the 15th and 18th holes dropped him five shots off the pace. Despite the setback, Fleetwood maintained his optimism, describing the day as close to his "golfing utopia" amidst overwhelming support from local galleries.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler trails by six shots after a round of 70, while Bryson DeChambeau remains in contention at four shots off the lead following a one-under 69. DeChambeau’s round was marked by tension; he spent several minutes in the R&A’s office with chief executive Mark Darbon. Reports indicate DeChambeau requested his Friday scorecard, a request that was declined.
DeChambeau avoided media contact for the sixth successive round at a major, instead heading to the practice range and signing autographs for young fans. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg moved into contention at six under par with a 67, ensuring a tight and open contest as the players prepare for the final day.
