Sam Burns leads British Open after wife's early delivery

American golfer Sam Burns holds a two-shot lead heading into Sunday's final round of the 154th British Open at Royal Birkdale, a position that seemed unlikely just days ago. His participation was in doubt as his wife, Caroline, was due to give birth two days before the championship began.

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This golf tournament was honestly so far off of my radar and expectations of playing. I mean, Caroline's due date was Tuesday this week. She was like four days late with our son. I just didn't think there was any possible way, and little Belle had different plans for us.

However, their daughter, Belle, arrived early, allowing Burns to catch a flight and join the competition. After an initial struggle with a three-over 73 in the opening round, the 29-year-old has since dominated the course. He fired a men's major record-equalling 62 on Friday and followed it with a 65 on Saturday, positioning himself for a potential first major triumph.

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Ultimately she's the one that really encouraged me to come over and play. She basically said I've got this at home. Go over there and give it your best, and here we are.

Burns admitted the tournament was far from his expectations. "This golf tournament was honestly so far off of my radar and expectations of playing," he told reporters. He credited his wife's encouragement for his presence and performance. "Ultimately she's the one that really encouraged me to come over and play. She basically said I've got this at home. Go over there and give it your best, and here we are."

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I was pretty upset. That's an understatement. Talked to Caroline, texted with her, and she basically told me like, you know, you're over there, and I'm good at home. You need to be where your feet are. I think that was really what I needed to hear in that moment. It's probably what I didn't want to hear, but I needed to hear it.

Despite a challenging start with three consecutive bogeys on Thursday, Burns found clarity after speaking with his wife. "You need to be where your feet are. I think that was really what I needed to hear in that moment," he said, acknowledging her role in refocusing him. He remains focused on his own game for Sunday, stating, "I can't control anything anyone else does... I'm going to have to go out and execute."

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I can't control anything anyone else does. Someone's going to go out and play a great round of golf tomorrow, maybe a few people. It's pretty much a given. That happens every single week. So I'm going to have to do the same. I'm going to have to go out and execute.