With the Ryder Cup fast approaching, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns are back in the spotlight — not just for their individual performances, but for what they represent as core pieces of Team USA’s effort to reclaim the Cup on home soil.
But if the opening round of the Procore Championship is any indicator, there’s work to be done.
World’s number one Scheffler posted a two-under 70, leaving him tied for 38th. Burns? Just one-under, tied for 51st. Neither looked especially sharp, and both struggled to find rhythm in a round that lacked energy from two players expected to set the tone for Team USA.
Scheffler Praises Burns Despite Lackluster Round
Scheffler, ever the steady leader, used his post-round media time to shine a light on Burns — not for his scorecard, but for his mental toughness and unmatched putting skills.
“Sam’s a great guy,” Scheffler said. “He’s extremely competitive on the course. I’ve known him since junior golf… we’re still good buddies to this day.”
He singled out Burns’ putting process — especially the way he executes Aim Point reads with precision and confidence.
“He kind of gets an idea where he wants to [putt], and then everything else shuts off and he just hits it. It’s pretty impressive,” Scheffler added.
The praise didn’t stop there. Scheffler even credited Burns for helping influence his own putting approach: “Trying to become more athletic, be more visual… that’s something that he does really well.”
It’s a glimpse into what this week is really about for Team USA: chemistry, support, and sharpening edges ahead of the cauldron that will be Bethpage Black.
Burns’ Flatstick Still Among the Best on PGA Tour
While the rest of Burns’ game remains a work in progress, one thing isn’t in question — his putting is elite.
He leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained putting, ranks first in make percentage inside 10 feet, and continues to dominate key metrics on the greens. But the consistency from tee to green just isn’t there — yet. If he’s going to make a major impact at the Ryder Cup, he’ll need to tighten up the rest of the package.
For now, though, Burns remains one of the best putters on the planet — and if that stroke stays hot, he could be a sneaky X-factor at Bethpage.
And with Scottie Scheffler by his side, there’s every chance these two can feed off each other, build momentum, and bring that confidence to the biggest stage in team golf.
Because come September, the only numbers that will matter are red, white, and blue.
