OAKMONT, Pa. — The 2024 U.S. Open turned into a test of endurance Saturday as players faced a grueling schedule after Friday’s weather suspension, with Sam Burns (-3) emerging as the 36-hole leader amid challenging conditions at Oakmont Country Club.
Weather Delay Creates Packed Schedule
Thirteen players returned at 7:30 a.m. ET to complete their second rounds after heavy rain and lightning halted play Friday. The cut line settled at 7-over par, eliminating defending champion Bryson DeChambeau (+10) alongside stars like Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, and Shane Lowry.
Leaderboard Highlights (Through 36 Holes):
- 1. Sam Burns: -3 (F)
- 2. J.J. Spaun: -2 (F)
- 3. Viktor Hovland: -1 (F)
- T4. Adam Scott, Ben Griffin: E (F)
Third Round Underway in Tough Conditions
Early starters faced light rain and firm greens, with scoring opportunities scarce:
- Only two players (Marc Leishman: -2 through 3; Corey Conners: -1 through 2) were under par early.
- Rory McIlroy (+6 through 36 holes) began his round seeking momentum after a slow start.
- Birdies were rare, with Matthew Fitzpatrick’s 31-foot putt on the 600-yard 4th hole a standout moment.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Burns’ Consistency: The leader avoided bogeys in his second-round 68. Can he handle Oakmont’s weekend pressure?
- Hovland’s Charge: The Norwegian (-1) eyes his first major after near-misses in 2023.
- Weather Watch: Forecasts suggest drier conditions Sunday, potentially favoring late starters.
Future U.S. Open Sites
The tournament’s upcoming venues include:
- 2025: Pinehurst No. 2 (N.C.)
- 2026: Shinnecock Hills (N.Y.)
- 2027: Pebble Beach (Calif.)
How to Follow
- TV: NBC and USA Network (coverage from 12–8 p.m. ET).
- Streaming: Peacock and USOpen.com.
Bottom Line: With Oakmont’s notorious difficulty and a stacked leaderboard, Saturday’s marathon session could decide who contends for the title on Sunday.