Sam Burns Reacts to Brutal U.S. Open Ruling in 6 Powerful Words

Sam Burns was tied for the lead at the U.S. Open when he stepped onto the 15th tee at Oakmont on Sunday. Minutes later, his tournament hopes were over.

What happened in between? A disputed ruling, a double bogey, and six words that captured the heartbreak.

Rain had soaked the course earlier in the day, halting play for nearly two hours. The fairways were wet, the greens even worse. 

On 15, Burns' tee shot landed in a low spot on the fairway—exactly where standing water tends to collect. As he addressed the ball, water visibly splashed up with every practice swing, Yahoo Sports reported.

Believing he qualified for relief from temporary water under Rule 16.1, Burns called in a rules official. But the request was denied. Burns asked for a second opinion. Denied again.

With no choice but to play it as it lay, Burns hacked out into the rough. His third shot barely advanced. He chipped on and two-putted for double bogey.

"I walked into it and water clearly came up. It was splashing with every swing," Burns said afterward. "I thought I should get a second opinion. They disagreed. At the end of the day, it’s not up to me."