The 125th US Open at the historic and notoriously challenging Oakmont course is approaching its climax, with American Sam Burns positioned firmly at the top, eyeing his maiden major championship title. The 28-year-old, who previously secured victory at the 2023 WGC Match Play, entered Saturday's third round holding a slender one-stroke lead at three-under par 137 after 36 holes. Demonstrating remarkable composure and skill, Burns extended his lead by firing a one-under-par 69 in the third round, bringing his total to four-under 206 for 54 holes.

Burns's impressive performance has been significantly bolstered by his exceptional putting; he is one of only two players in the field to avoid a three-putt bogey throughout the tournament. He currently holds a one-stroke advantage over fellow American J.J. Spaun and Australia's Adam Scott, both tied for second at 207. Spaun, who earned his sole PGA Tour win at the 2022 Texas Open, also carded a 69 in the third round, engaging in a thrilling back-and-forth battle for the lead with Burns for most of the day until a bogey on the 18th. Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, mounted a strong challenge with a 67, buoyed by three birdies across his final six holes. These three, along with Norway's Viktor Hovland, who sits in fourth, are set to comprise the final two pairings for Sunday's tension-packed final round, all vying for the substantial $4.3 million top prize.

Oakmont is renowned not only for its iconic and intimidating layout but also for its tradition of crowning first-time major winners, a list that includes golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Ernie Els, Johnny Miller, and Dustin Johnson. Burns is acutely aware of this legacy and expressed profound excitement about the opportunity, particularly as he is one of nine first-major hopefuls among the top ten contenders. He also credits world number one Scottie Scheffler, with whom he is sharing a rental house this week, for valuable insights and mentorship, drawing inspiration from Scheffler's multiple major victories. Burns's unwavering approach, honed by working with the same coach since his mid-teens, underscores his belief in staying true to the methods that have brought him success.

While Sam Burns and other rising stars shone, several top-ranked players continued to grapple with the course's demands. World number two Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland endured another difficult day, concluding Saturday at ten-over 220 after a four-over par 74. McIlroy, who achieved a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters for his fifth major title, struggled with consistency, tallying bogeys on three of his last five holes and acknowledging the rapid loss of patience that Oakmont can induce. He faced challenges with missed putts, penalty drops, and greenside bunkers throughout his round.

Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, aiming for consecutive major titles following his PGA Championship win last month, found it challenging to build momentum. He posted a 70 in the third round, a round characterized by an even spread of four birdies and four bogeys, leaving him at 214 after 54 holes. Scheffler admitted to making "silly mistakes" and suffering from multiple three-putts, which he described as a "killer." Similarly, two-time major winner Jon Rahm of Spain recorded a 73, reaching 217, with a double bogey on the 15th and a bogey on the 18th contributing to his score. Reigning British Open champion Xander Schauffele, ranked third globally, also shot a 71 to stand at 217.

Despite the high-profile struggles, the tournament saw several bright spots from other players. Mexico's Carlos Ortiz delivered an impressive 67 in the third round, vaulting him to fifth place at level par 210, though a late stumble on the final hole cost him a bogey-free round. England's Tyrrell Hatton and South Africa's Thriston Lawrence are tied for sixth at 211 after Hatton's 68. The course, made more receptive by an inch of overnight rain and additional showers on Saturday, nonetheless maintained its formidable nature, ensuring a gripping conclusion to the championship.