Sam Burns' immediate reaction to 'ridiculous' rules decision during final round of US Open

Sam Burns decided not to criticise the decision that effectively ended his chances of winning the 2025 US Open. 

Burns came into the final round of the third men's major of the year with a one-shot lead. 

But he came unstuck on a chaotic and rainy day at Oakmont, dropping three strokes on the front nine to surrender his lead. 

When the multiple PGA Tour winner arrived at the par-4 15th he was in a four-way tie at the summit.  

Burns, who was 1-over par at the time, did the hard part by finding the right-hand side of the fairway with his tee shot. 

But as he assessed his next stroke it was immediately apparent just how much water there was around his ball. 

Sky Sports' on-course commentator Wayne 'Radar' Riley said it was completely fair for Burns to get a drop for casual water. 

"I think he deserves a drop," Riley said. 

Former European Ryder Cup captain and Sky Sports commentator Paul McGinley agreed. 

"Yeah, I can't believe he's not getting a drop here, Wayne," he said. "We're watching him hit practice swings here and we can all see the water splashing up."

Burns thought as much and asked a USGA rules official for a drop but was denied. 

He was rejected even after he asked for a second opinion. 

"Maybe I am in the minority but I just don't understand that," added Sky's lead commentator Ewen Murray. 

The 28-year-old then sent his approach straight left into the thick rough and it was clear just how cross he was.

"We all knew that [was going to happen," Riley added. "That was bizarre."

From there, Burns could only advance his golf ball a few yards as he attempted to chop his ball onto the putting surface. 

He chipped onto the green with his fourth but couldn't salvage a bogey from 16 feet. 

The double bogey appeared to completely torpedo his chances to claim his first major title. 

Chaser JJ Spaun eventually seized control and claimed his maiden major championship win with two closing birdies to snatch the title by two from Scotland's Robert MacIntyre. 

Burns played his final two holes in 2-over and eventually signed for an 8-over 78 to share seventh place with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler and former Masters champion Jon Rahm.

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Asked about the incident after his round, Burns said: "When I walked into it, clearly you could see water coming up. 

"[I] took practice swings and it's just water splashing every single time. Called a rules official over, they disagreed. 

"I looked at it again. I thought maybe I should get a second opinion. That rules official also disagreed.

"At the end of the day, it's not up to me, it's up to the rules official. That's kind of that."

Burns said that despite the disappointment of coming up short he can hold his head high. 

"Everybody's got to deal with it," he said. "I'm extremely proud of the way I fought out there today. Overall it was a great week.

"It's cool to have my son here on Father's Day, and it was a blast."

He added: "I went out there and gave it the best I had. Golf's a hard game, especially on this golf course. At the end of the day, I can hold my head high."