OAKMONT, Pa. — The closest Sam Burns has come to a major championship is sharing a house with a close friend who already has three of them. He has been inspired by Scottie Scheffler the last few years . The next step is to join him as a major champion.

Sam Burns avoided the late meltdown that cost him in the first round of the U.S. Open. He had a 65 and has a one-shot lead at Oakmont.

Burns has made 11 birdies through two rounds, joining Viktor Hovland for most sup-par holes through 36 holes in the three U.S. Opens at Oakmont since it switched to a par 70 in 2007. Burns needed them to make up for Thursday's rough ending,

McIlroy opted to take a penalty stroke and a drop, leading to a bogey and capping off a 2-over 37 on the front nine. And of course, the USGA took the opportunity to educate you at home about what to do if you find yourself in the same position as the 2025 Masters champion.

Rory McIlroy held his first post-round media session of the U.S. Open after shooting a 4-over 74 in the third round at Oakmont

Rory McIlroy finally spoke to the media at the U.S. Open Saturday. The reigning Masters champion argued he's "earned the right to do whatever" he choses.