Overview
- Sam Burns leads at 10‑under and will start the final round on Sunday with a two‑shot advantage as he chases his first major after deciding to play following the early birth of his daughter.
- Tommy Fleetwood is the home favorite and remains within reach at five shots back, buoyed by large galleries that have energized his challenge at Royal Birkdale.
- Bryson DeChambeau was assessed a two‑shot penalty for improving his backswing area in the second round, a ruling that prompted public criticism from Rory McIlroy and at least one spectator heckle during Saturday’s play.
- The leaderboard tightened because several players posted major‑record‑equalling 62s, producing unusually low scores on firm, dry links that reshaped the contention late in the tournament.
- Final‑round tee times and TV coverage were confirmed for USA Network, NBC and Peacock, and tournament officials announced a record $3.2 million winner’s prize from a $17.75 million purse.