New Dad Sam Burns Leads British Open After Wife's Support

When Sam Burns' daughter Belle arrived 11 days early, the American golfer figured his plans to compete in the British Open were over before they began.

His wife Caroline had just given birth to their second child, and the tournament was the last thing on his mind. But Caroline had other ideas, telling him plainly: "I've got this at home. Go over there and give it your best."

Burns listened to his wife and flew to England. Now he's leading one of golf's most prestigious tournaments by two strokes heading into the final round.

The world number 18 backed up his historic second round 62, which tied the lowest score ever at a major championship, with a solid 65 on Saturday. He sits at 10 under par for the tournament at Royal Birkdale.

"This golf tournament was honestly so far off of my radar and expectations of playing," Burns said. "Caroline's due date was Tuesday this week. I just didn't think there was any possible way, and little Belle had different plans for us."

Burns admitted the mental challenge of leaving his newborn daughter and toddler son halfway across the world was harder than any golf shot. He called friend and world number one Scottie Scheffler for advice before making the decision to compete.

Sunny's Take

There's something beautiful about the clarity that comes with new parenthood. Burns came painfully close to his first major championship win just last month, missing the US Open title by one shot. That kind of near miss can haunt a golfer.

But this week, he's carrying a different perspective. "Whatever happens, I know that I can accept the outcome, and life's going to move on," he said with the calm of someone who just experienced something bigger than any trophy.

When asked about the "nappy factor" that supposedly frees up golfers mentally after having children, Burns laughed off the superstition with perfect dad humor: "If I was aware of that, I'd have like eight kids by now."

Whether Burns hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday or not, he's already winning where it counts most, thanks to a partner who saw his dream and pushed him to chase it.