U.S. Open weekend forecast: Rain threat looms over Burns’ Oakmont lead

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Sam Burns surged to the 36-hole lead at the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club with a stellar 5-under 65, overcoming a shaky start to the tournament. Burns, who was outside the top 30 after the first round, became only the second player in major championship history to lead outright through 36 holes after such a start.

The course has proven challenging, with only three players under par after two rounds in the 156-man field. Burns' performance included six birdies inside 10 feet, showcasing his precision under cloudy, calm conditions.

"Burns was a regular birdie machine -- at Oakmont, no less -- playing in the morning under cloud cover and little wind and flushing his irons so well that all six of his birdies were inside 10 feet," noted reports.

However, the weekend forecast threatens to disrupt the competition, with a 90% chance of rain Saturday and 70% Sunday. This weather could impact course conditions and player strategies as the tournament progresses.

Historically, strong positioning after 36 holes correlates with winning, as 11 of the past 12 U.S. Open champions were in the top five at this stage. Burns' lead positions him well, but the weather and Oakmont's difficulty will test all contenders.

The U.S. Open purse remains unchanged from last year, with the winner set to earn $4.3 million, underscoring the high stakes of this major championship.

As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Burns and the weather, which could prove decisive in this prestigious event.

Burns leads at Oakmont amid rain forecast

Key Facts

Sam Burns struggled with six bogeys and a double bogey in his early round but recovered strongly to post a 5-under 65 in the second round.1
Burns made six birdies inside 10 feet under favorable weather conditions with cloud cover and little wind at Oakmont.1
Burns became the second player in major championship history to lead outright through 36 holes after being outside the top 30 through 18 holes.1
After two rounds at Oakmont Country Club, only three players remain under par in the 156-man field.1
Weather forecasts predict a 90% chance of rain Saturday and 70% chance Sunday, potentially impacting weekend play at the U.S. Open.1
Phil Mickelson, who has finished second six times at the U.S. Open, hinted this might be his last chance to complete a career grand slam.

This would be my last attempt at completing a career grand slam.

Phil Mickelson

Key Stats at a Glance

Sam Burns second round score

5-under 65

Number of bogeys made by Sam Burns

6 bogeys

Number of double bogeys made by Sam Burns

1 double bogey

Number of birdies inside 10 feet by Sam Burns

6 birdies

Standing as second player in major history to lead after 36 holes from outside top 30

2nd

Number of players under par after two rounds

3 players

Total players in the field

156 players

Chance of rain on Saturday

90%

Chance of rain on Sunday

70%

Number of times Phil Mickelson finished second at U.S. Open

6 times

USGA maintains U.S. Open purse at $4.3M winner's share

Key Facts

The USGA announced the U.S. Open purse remains unchanged from last year, with the winner receiving $4.3 million.

Key Stats at a Glance

Winner's share of U.S. Open purse

$4,300,000

Second place prize money

$2,322,000

Third place prize money

$1,459,284

Fourth place prize money

$1,023,014

Fifth place prize money

$852,073

U.S. Open weekend forecast: Rain threat looms over Burns’ Oakmont lead

Burns leads at Oakmont amid rain forecast

USGA maintains U.S. Open purse at $4.3M winner's share

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