Sam Burns holds a 10-under lead at The Open 2026, with Ryan Fox and Tom Kim two shots back. The final round at Royal Birkdale is set.
Burns shot a third-round 67. He left the field chasing him. His driving accuracy hit 71% of fairways. His putting average was 1.4 per green. He strung together four birdies on the back nine.
Ryan Fox surged with a 68. His driving distance averaged 315 yards. His iron play hit 85% of greens in regulation. Tom Kim posted a 66. His short game saved par five times. He holed three putts from over 20 feet.
| Player | Score | Driving Accuracy | Putting Avg | Birdies (R3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Burns | -10 | 71% | 1.4 | 6 |
| Ryan Fox | -8 | 64% | 1.5 | 5 |
| Tom Kim | -8 | 60% | 1.3 | 7 |
Tommy Fleetwood remains a subplot. He is at -5, five shots back. The BBC report notes he “still dreams of an emotional win” on home soil. British fans want a local champion.
Weather will decide the final round. Wind gusts are forecast at 25 mph from the southwest. Rain probability is 60%. The par-4 12th and par-3 14th are critical scoring holes. Course management matters more than power.
Burns has momentum. He has not made a bogey in 27 holes. Fox has comeback pedigree—he won the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic from a three-shot deficit. Kim has youthful energy. He is 23 years old.
The Claret Jug is at stake. The winner will define golf’s next era. Burns, Fox, or Kim will become the face of a new generation. Fleetwood could steal it.
Follow live final-round coverage. The answer comes Sunday.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Sam Burns’ lead at The Open 2026 after three rounds?
- A: Sam Burns leads The Open 2026 at 10-under par, with Ryan Fox and Tom Kim two strokes back at 8-under.
- Q: How did Ryan Fox perform in the third round of The Open 2026?
- A: Ryan Fox shot a 68 in the third round, averaging 315 yards in driving distance and hitting 85% of greens in regulation.
- Q: What weather conditions are expected for the final round at Royal Birkdale?
- A: The final round will feature 25 mph wind gusts from the southwest and a 60% chance of rain, making course management critical.
- Q: What is Sam Burns’ bogey streak at The Open 2026?
- A: Sam Burns has not made a bogey in 27 consecutive holes, highlighting his consistent play.
- Q: How does Tom Kim’s short game factor into his chances at The Open 2026?
- A: Tom Kim saved par five times with his short game and holed three putts from over 20 feet in the third round, showing clutch ability.
Extended Reading
Source: BBC Sport report on Tommy Fleetwood’s Open dream. Yahoo Sports third-round live updates. ESPN leaderboard data.