Sam Burns followed his record-tying 62 with a 5-under 65 on Saturday to reach 10-under 200 and build a two-shot lead at Royal Birkdale. Playing alongside Bryson DeChambeau, who drew gallery support a day after a two-shot penalty controversy, Burns played with purpose amid the chaos. DeChambeau made two late birdies for a 69 but sits four shots back.

Ryan Fox tied the major championship record with a 62 to join Si Woo Kim (67) at 8-under, two behind Burns. Tommy Fleetwood (69) is five back, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler (70) trails by six. Among the top 10, only DeChambeau — a two-time U.S. Open winner — has captured a major.

Burns nearly withdrew after his wife Caroline gave birth to daughter Belle on July 3. "To be able to come here was a bonus," Burns said. He was a 17-foot putt from a U.S. Open playoff last month and 54-hole leader at Oakmont in 2025. "No matter what happens, I can live with the results."