Professional golfer Sam Burns had an emotional post-tournament moment at Shinnecock Hills while showing the importance of family.
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He broke down in tears when asked what his father said to him after a heartbreaking runner-up finish in the U.S. Open.
"Just that he's proud," Burns said while wiping away the tears. "I think with (mother) Beth's news, how special it could have been for Father's Day. But I know he's proud."
Sam Burns was asked about the first thing his dad said to him when he got off the course.
His answer was wonderful. pic.twitter.com/dVjtUk2Ymu
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterNS) June 21, 2026
Burns came one putt short of winning his first major and joining legendary golfer Arnold Palmer on a historic list. He could have been only the second player in U.S. Open history to overcome a seven-shot deficit.
Instead, he fell to all fours on the course after his putt came a few centimeters shy of sealing an upset win over Wyndham Clark. He put agony on display for several moments, but then he shifted focus.
He went to spend some much-needed time with his wife, Caroline, their 2-year-old son, Bear, his mother, Beth, and his father, Todd. He finally had time "to hang out" with his loved ones after putting all of his focus on the prestigious tournament at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York.
The news that Burns referenced during his emotional post-match press conference is something that his mother revealed. She told The Athletic that Caroline is due to give birth to a child in July.
"He won't go to Europe," Beth told The Athletic. "This is his last major. They're going to go home and have a baby."
This meant that the U.S. Open would be Burns' final major of the season. It served as his last chance to break through in 2026. It would have also delivered extra special meaning considering that the tournament ended on Father's Day.
The professional golfer could have celebrated an incredibly important win with his family on a meaningful day. He ultimately fell short, but he walked away from the golf club knowing that his father remained extremely proud of him.
