local
Oh, baby! Sam Burns takes the lead in a British Open he planned to miss
By James Monical at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 18, 2026
· 3 min read
SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — Sam Burns gets his best chance at winning a major he never planned to play.
Two weeks after his daughter was born, one week after Burns changed his mind and decided to fly from Louisiana to play in the British Open, he followed his record-tying 62 with a 5-under 65 on...
Key takeaway Burns was at 10-under 200 and with a two-shot lead over Si Woo Kim (67) and Ryan Fox, who became the third player this week to tie the major championship record with a 62.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
Minneapolis golf fans may not have a direct connection to the British Open, but the story of Sam Burns' unexpected lead has local resonance. As a new father, Burns' decision to play in the tournament despite initial plans to miss it due to his daughter's birth, will likely strike a chord with Minneapolis families who balance personal and professional responsibilities. The fact that Burns is now in contention for a major title, despite the chaos and distractions surrounding him, is a testament to his focus and determination. For local golf enthusiasts, Burns' story serves as a compelling narrative to follow, particularly as he faces off against more experienced players like Bryson DeChambeau in the final round. As the Twin Cities' own golf community continues to grow and thrive, stories like Burns' will undoubtedly inspire local players and fans alike.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — Sam Burns gets his best chance at winning a major he never planned to play.
Two weeks after his daughter was born, one week after Burns changed his mind and decided to fly from Louisiana to play in the British Open, he followed his record-tying 62 with a 5-under 65 on...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by James Monical at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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