The Open 2026 Leaderboard: Sam Burns Takes the Lead After a Wild Round 3 at Royal Birkdale
Sam Burns has taken a two-shot lead into the final round of the 154th Open Championship after firing a third-round 65 at Royal Birkdale on Saturday. Burns, who was tied for 106th after the opening round, followed his blistering second-round 62 with another strong score to put himself in position for his first career major title on Sunday.
The Open 2026 Leaderboard After Round 3
Australia's Lucas Herbert, who tied a major championship record with a second-round 62, sits in second place heading into the final round. Si Woo Kim and Ryan Fox — who also carded a third-round 62 of his own — are within striking distance near the top, with Jackson Suber, Ludvig Åberg, and Bryson DeChambeau all in the mix a few shots back. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, chasing a third straight major title, is further down the leaderboard after a third-round 70 ended his run of sub-70 rounds at The Open.
Sam Burns Chases His First Major
Burns has come close at majors before without breaking through, and Sunday represents his best chance yet. His third-round 65 included five birdies, capped by a long birdie putt on the par-5 14th that moved him into the outright lead. Only one player in the last three decades has won The Open after sitting outside the top 50 following the first round — a piece of history Burns is now trying to rewrite in reverse.
Lucas Herbert and the Chasing Pack
Herbert's record-tying 62 on Friday set the tone for a low-scoring week at Royal Birkdale, and he remains firmly in contention going into the final round. Ryan Fox's own third-round 62 was fueled by nine birdies and briefly put him in a share of the lead. Ludvig Åberg was the biggest mover late on Saturday, carding a third-round 67 to climb into Sunday contention in just his third career Open start.
Biggest Storylines From Royal Birkdale This Week
A Record-Tying 62 and a Historic Scoring Pace
Both Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns shot 62 in the second round, tying the lowest single-round score in major championship history, and Ryan Fox matched that number again in the third round. The soft, benign conditions at Royal Birkdale this week have led to some of the lowest scoring in Open Championship history.
Bryson DeChambeau's Penalty Controversy
DeChambeau was assessed a two-shot penalty during the second round for improving his lie in the rough on the fifth hole, a decision he strongly disputed with officials on the course. He remained in contention through the third round despite the setback, carding a third-round 69.
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler's Weekend
Rory McIlroy fought to make the cut after a difficult start to the week, while Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked player in the world, was seeking a third consecutive major title. Scheffler's run of sub-70 rounds at The Open ended with a third-round 70 that included a bogey on the 16th hole.
Royal Birkdale Course Conditions
Royal Birkdale is known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast, undulating greens, but calm winds and cloudy skies through the third round made scoring easier than expected for a links course of its reputation. That combination of benign weather and firm-but-scoreable turf is a big reason several players have been able to challenge major championship scoring records this week.
What to Watch in the Final Round
Sam Burns tees off Sunday with a two-shot cushion, but a leaderboard this tightly packed means the final round of The Open 2026 is far from decided. Lucas Herbert, Si Woo Kim, Ryan Fox, and Ludvig Åberg all remain within range, and a strong front nine from any of the chasing pack could turn Sunday at Royal Birkdale into a genuine shootout for the Claret Jug.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Open 2026
Who is leading The Open 2026 after Round 3?
Sam Burns leads by two shots after a third-round 65 at Royal Birkdale, with Lucas Herbert in second place.
Where is The Open 2026 being played?
The 154th Open Championship is being played at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
Has Sam Burns ever won a major championship?
No — Sam Burns is seeking his first career major title heading into the final round of The Open 2026.
What happened with Bryson DeChambeau's penalty?
DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty in Round 2 for improving his lie in the rough on the fifth hole.
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