Sam Burns moved into control of the 2026 Open Championship after birdies on both par fives helped him build a two-shot advantage during the third round at Royal Birkdale.
The American picked up key shots at the 14th and 17th holes, using those chances to climb to 10 under par. Those birdies proved decisive as the leaderboard tightened in the latter stages of the round.
Burns' scoring on the par fives gave him separation from the field and put him out front heading deeper into Saturday's play. Reaching double digits under par left him in a strong position at one of golf's biggest events.
With the third round still the focus, Burns' late gains at Royal Birkdale were the standout development as he established a clear lead in The Open.
