Watch: Sam Burns’ immediate reaction to ‘ridiculous’ rules decision during final round of US Open.
Golf fans were outraged after Sam Burns appeared to be unfairly treated by a rules official during the final round of the 2025 US Open at Oakmont.
Despite the controversial decision that seemingly ended his hopes of lifting the trophy, Burns chose not to publicly criticize the ruling.
He entered the decisive round with a one-stroke advantage but struggled in challenging, rainy conditions, losing three shots on the front nine and relinquishing his lead.
By the time he reached the par-4 15th hole, Burns was part of a five-way tie at the top. He executed a solid tee shot, landing on the right side of the fairway, but faced an issue — his ball was surrounded by visible surface water.
Sky Sports’ Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley believed Burns clearly deserved relief for casual water, a sentiment echoed by fellow commentator Paul McGinley, who pointed out the splashing water during Burns’ practice swings.
Burns requested a drop from a USGA official, confident that the conditions warranted relief, but was denied — even after seeking a second opinion.
Sky’s lead voice Ewen Murray expressed confusion, saying the decision made little sense to him.
Visibly frustrated, Burns pulled his next shot into deep rough, and his disappointment was clear. Riley noted that the outcome felt inevitable under the circumstances.
From there, Burns could only move the ball a short distance as he tried to salvage the hole.
He chipped onto the green with his fourth but couldn’t salvage a bogey from 16 feet.
The double bogey appeared to completely torpedo his chances to claim his first major title.
Chaser JJ Spaun eventually seized control and claimed his maiden major championship win with two closing birdies to snatch the title by two from Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.
Burns played his final two holes in 2-over and eventually signed for an 8-over 78 to share seventh place with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and former Masters champion Jon Rahm.
Asked about the incident after his round, Burns said: “When I walked into it, clearly you could see water coming up.
“[I] took practice swings and it’s just water splashing every single time. Called a rules official over, they disagreed.
“I looked at it again. I thought maybe I should get a second opinion. That rules official also disagreed.
At the end of the day, it’s not up to me, it’s up to the rules official. That’s kind of that.”
Burns said that despite the disappointment of coming up short he can hold his head high.
“”Everyone has to face challenges,” he said. “I’m really proud of how I battled out there today. All in all, it was a fantastic week.”
“Having my son here on Father’s Day made it even more special—it was a great experience,” he continued.
“I gave it everything I had out there. Golf is a tough game, especially on a course like this. But in the end, I can walk away with my head held high.”
