Sam Burns: A Key Player for the US Ryder Cup Team

It may sound a bit simplistic, but honestly, one crucial factor stands out for why Sam Burns is among the 12 players representing the US at the Ryder Cup.

It’s all about his putting.

Simply put, Burns is recognized as one of the top putters globally. This skill is expected to play a significant role during the Ryder Cup at Beth Page Black, much like it does in any tournament.

Currently, he tops the PGA Tour rankings for Strokes Gained: Putting within 10 to 15 feet. Additionally, he’s second in total putts per round, third in avoiding three-putts, and fourth in putts made per round.

When asked what contributes to his success as a putter, Burns explained, “I try to keep things very simple. It’s important for me to train daily and ensure I consistently align the ball properly.”

He added, “I think the key to putting is a lot about acceptance. Greens have imperfections, and various factors can influence whether the ball drops or not.”

Despite his reputation, Burns emphasized the importance of composure, stating, “Not really focusing on the outcome is what I aim for.”

Ben Griffin spoke highly of Burns, calling him “one of the most confident putters in the world.” He pointed out Burns’ bold approach on the greens, noting that such a player is invaluable for a Ryder Cup team. “It’ll be exciting to see him sink those putts at Beth Page,” he said.

Scotty Scheffler, the world’s top player and one of Burns’ good friends, is expected to partner with him this week, making Burns’ putting skills even more noteworthy.

Scheffler remarked, “His technique is excellent. The fundamentals are solid, and he practices them every day.”

He believes Burns’ unique ability lies in his mindset, saying, “Sam has an incredible knack for freeing himself up on the greens, perhaps like no one else I’ve seen. He manages to stay relaxed mentally and effectively visualizes his goals.”

“It’s quite impressive. I’ve had several discussions with him about it,” Scheffler added.

JJ Spaun also praised Burns and fellow player Russell Henley, highlighting their exceptional putting skills. He noted that both players share an intentional routine and deliberate approach: they identify their aim and execute.

“With a great putter, you see how frequently the ball finds the hole. Sam always starts the ball on the right line and possesses control over speed. It’s just a matter of if it drops or not,” Spaun explained.