Sam Burns has established himself as a formidable competitor on the PGA Tour over recent years, often coming close to achieving major championship success. At just 30 years old, Burns has already notched five victories on the PGA Tour, showcasing his talent and consistency.
Despite his impressive track record, Burns has yet to clinch a title in one of golf's four major championships. He has repeatedly found himself in strong positions to win, only to fall short at the final hurdle. Notably, he experienced near misses at the US Open in both 2025 and 2026, as well as at this year's Open Championship.
In a recent discussion on the Short Game Chef Podcast, former professional golfer Notah Begay III shared his insights regarding Burns' ongoing quest for a major title. The conversation touched on the mental aspects of competing at the highest levels of golf, particularly the pressure that comes with major tournaments.
Begay remarked on the dichotomy between players who thrive under pressure and those who struggle. He stated, "I hear of players that don’t like to look at leaderboards. Maybe some players or sports psychologists that, you know, can’t break 90, like to say it’s too much pressure." He went on to contrast these players with those who consistently perform well in high-stakes situations, mentioning the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy.
When discussing Sam Burns, Begay placed him in the category of players who have yet to convert their potential into major victories. He acknowledged Burns' frequent contention in tournaments, noting, "He’s putting himself in contention on a regular basis, but he’s a perennial second place finisher." While acknowledging the challenges Burns faces, Begay expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, "I’ve seen Sam play, I’ve seen Sam hit some big shots under some big moments coming down the stretch. It’s in him, and I know he’s going to win a major."
Burns' performance in major championships has been commendable, as he has participated in 26 such events throughout his career. Out of these appearances, he has made the cut 18 times, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level. His record includes one runner-up finish, which came at the US Open this year, where he narrowly missed out on the title to Wyndham Clark. Additionally, Burns has secured a third-place finish at The Open Championship held at Royal Birkdale this year, further highlighting his potential.
In total, Burns has achieved two top-5 finishes, five top-10 finishes, and seven top-25 finishes in major tournaments. While his results indicate a solid performance, it is clear that Burns is driven by the desire to win a major championship. As he continues to compete at the highest level, the golfing world will be watching closely to see if he can finally break through and secure that elusive major title.
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