Read GOLF’s Tour Confidential for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport. This week, with the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, we’ll hit one key topic every night.
Friday night’s chaos at Royal Birkdale gave way to a brilliant day of golf on Saturday in Southport. Sam Burns carded a 65 to take a two-shot lead into the final round. Ryan Fox shot the third 62 of the week to jump into a tie for second alongside Si Woo Kim. Bryson DeChambeau rebounded from his two-shot penalty on Friday to shoot a one-under 69. He’s four shots back, as is Ludvig Aberg. Hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood will begin Sunday five shots back of Burns. So, who wins on Sunday at Royal Birkdale?
Josh Sens, senior writer (@joshsens): Sam Burns. He has suffered enough close calls in majors. He’s a deadly putter. He’s on form. And he’s got the lead. It’s his time.
Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@schrock_and_awe): Sam Burns. He has been knocking on the door at majors and wasn’t even supposed to tee it up this week at Royal Birkdale. His daughter arrived early, his wife told him to go and he will bring the Claret Jug back home.
Nick Piastowski, senior editor (@nickpia): Let’s have some fun — I’m going with Bryson DeChambeau. His one-under round on Saturday after the festivities on Friday was good stuff. Don’t be surprised to see something like we did with Ryan Fox and a player a bit down the leaderboard make a move, as the conditions have been easier in the mornings every day at Birkdale. Soooo … does that mean we get a Scottie Scheffler repeat?
Dylan Dethier, senior writer (@dylan_dethier): Okay, I’ll bite: It’s gonna be Tommy Fleetwood. He’s in the perfect spot. Far enough back that he has to get aggressive. Close enough he can still catch up. The group ahead of him is largely unproven on major Sundays. The crowd will be doing everything it can to bring him home. Fleetwood said after Saturday’s round that he feels no pressure going to Sunday, which puts him in the ultimate sweet spot. England may not have won the World Cup, but the Northwest of England is about to get its Claret Jug.
Alan Bastable, executive editor (@alan_bastable): It sure feels like Sam Burns’s moment; no one has had a better handle on Birkdale’s greens. But keep an eye on Ludvig Aberg, who has quietly birdied 11 of his last 35 holes.