Watch the shocking moment PGA Tour golf star Sam Burns SNAPS his club in half in furious on-course meltdown
At the FedEx Cup Championship, American golfer Sam Burns encountered a series of unfortunate events during his third round that dramatically impacted his performance and prospects in the tournament. Burns, who had shown strong potential throughout the earlier rounds, faced a particularly challenging day that tested his resilience and composure.
Entering the third round, Burns was in a promising position. He started the day just one stroke off the lead, indicating that he was a serious contender for the title. His performance on the first eight holes of the round was commendable, with a mix of birdies and bogeys keeping him in the hunt. Burns had managed to secure four birdies and had only two bogeys up to that point, which brought his total score to 12 under par. This left him in close pursuit of the leader, Hideki Matsuyama, who was setting a formidable pace.
Despite his strong start, the situation took a dramatic turn on the 9th hole. Burns, dealing with a mix of frustration and pressure, encountered a significant setback that would affect the remainder of his round. His drive on the 9th hole went astray, veering into a dense grove of trees. The difficulty of the shot and the resulting unfavorable lie contributed to his growing frustration.
In a moment of heightened tension, Burns reacted by slamming his driver into the ground with considerable force. This act of frustration resulted in a catastrophic failure: the driver snapped at the point of impact, with the clubhead and shaft breaking off in different directions. This incident was not just a minor inconvenience but a serious complication, as Burns now faced the challenge of completing the remaining nine holes without his driver, a crucial club for his game.
The immediate consequences of the broken driver were evident. Burns struggled to recover from his tee shot on the 9th hole, eventually carding a double-bogey 6. This was a significant blow, as it not only disrupted his round but also caused his score to drop to 10 under par. This left him four shots behind Matsuyama, who continued to lead the tournament. The double-bogey on the 9th hole was a critical setback, as it not only affected Burns’ score but also his mental state and strategic approach for the rest of the round.
Without a driver, Burns had to adapt his game plan on the fly. The back nine presented additional challenges, but Burns managed to demonstrate his resilience. He played the final nine holes in an even-par performance, trading three birdies for three bogeys. This was a testament to his ability to handle adversity and adjust his game under difficult circumstances.
Despite the unfortunate series of events, Burns finished the day with a score of 70, leaving him tied for fourth place with Scottie Scheffler at 10 under par. However, the damage from the earlier part of the round meant that he was now seven shots behind the leader, Matsuyama. The gap between Burns and the top of the leaderboard was significant, making his path to victory increasingly challenging.
As the tournament progressed into its final round, Burns faced the formidable task of making up a considerable deficit. His ability to recover from the challenges of the third round and mount a competitive performance would be crucial in determining his final standing in the FedEx Cup Championship. The incident with the broken driver was a dramatic moment in his tournament, highlighting both the unpredictability of golf and the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level.
In summary, Burns’ third round at the FedEx Cup Championship was marked by a significant setback, with the dramatic breaking of his driver and a double-bogey on the 9th hole severely impacting his chances. Despite these challenges, his performance on the back nine and his overall position in the tournament demonstrated his resilience and skill. As the final round approached, Burns’ ability to overcome adversity and execute his game plan would be essential in his quest for a strong finish in the championship.