Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Sam Burns

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 14, 2026

Discover the career path of Sam Burns, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Samuel Holland Burns is an American professional golfer competing on the PGA Tour. A former college golfer at Louisiana State University, Burns has secured five victories on the PGA Tour, marking him as a notable player in the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year

In 2014, Sam Burns was named AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year, won the Rolex Tournament of Champions in June, the Junior PGA Championship in August, and played on the victorious United States Junior Ryder Cup team.

2015: First PGA Tour Event

In 2015, Sam Burns played in his first PGA Tour event at the Valero Texas Open after receiving an exemption due to his Junior PGA Championship win. He shot an 89 in the first round and missed the cut, finishing the tournament 22 over par.

2016: All-American and Jack Nicklaus Award

In 2016, Sam Burns won four tournaments in 15 collegiate starts during his sophomore season at Louisiana State University. He was named a first-team All-American and the NCAA Division I Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year for the 2016-17 season.

October 2017: PGA Tour Debut

In October 2017, Sam Burns made his PGA Tour debut as a professional at the Sanderson Farms Championship. He finished T43.

2017: Arnold Palmer Cup and Barbasol Championship

In 2017, Sam Burns represented the United States on the winning Arnold Palmer Cup team and qualified for the PGA Tour's Barbasol Championship, where he finished T6.

February 2018: Colombia Championship

In February 2018, Sam Burns finished T2 at the Colombia Championship.

2018: PGA Tour Season

Sam Burns has played on the PGA Tour since the start of the 2018-19 season.

February 2021: Genesis Invitational

In February 2021, Sam Burns finished solo third place at the Genesis Invitational.

October 3, 2021: Sanderson Farms Championship Win

On October 3, 2021, Sam Burns won his second PGA Tour title at the Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi.

March 20, 2022: Valspar Championship Title

On March 20, 2022, Sam Burns won his second consecutive Valspar Championship title, beating Davis Riley in a playoff.

May 29, 2022: Charles Schwab Challenge Win

On May 29, 2022, Sam Burns won the Charles Schwab Challenge after making a 38-foot birdie putt in a playoff against Scottie Scheffler. He overcame a seven stroke deficit to win.

2022: Presidents Cup

In 2022, Sam Burns qualified for the U.S. team at the Presidents Cup. He tied two and lost three of the five matches he played.

March 2023: WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play Win

In March 2023, Sam Burns won the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, defeating Cameron Young 6 and 5 in the championship match.

September 2023: Ryder Cup

In September 2023, Sam Burns played on the U.S. team in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia, Rome, Italy. The European team won and Burns went 1-2-0, including a loss in his Sunday singles match against Rory McIlroy.

2023: Ryder Cup Selection

In 2023, Sam Burns was selected as one of Zach Johnson's six captain's picks for the 2023 Ryder Cup, marking Burns's first appearance in the event.

June 2025: RBC Canadian Open and U.S. Open

In June 2025, Sam Burns was runner-up at the RBC Canadian Open, losing in a playoff to Ryan Fox. The following week, Burns held the 54-hole lead at the 2025 U.S. Open, but shot an 8-over 78 in the final round to finish tied-7th.