Sam Burns Leads Open After New Baby Boosts Nappy Factor Performan 2026

James Northwood
Sam Burns Leads Open After New Baby Boosts Nappy Factor Performan
This page may contain affiliate links.

Sam Burns leads the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after a stunning five-under 65, driven by the nappy factor of becoming a new dad. His daughter Belle’s early arrival allowed him to compete, and he now holds a two-shot lead over Ryan Fox and Kim Si-woo.

The Nappy Factor in Golf

The nappy factor refers to the surprising tendency of new fathers to win major golf tournaments. Burns, unaware of this theory, joked he would have eight kids if it guaranteed wins. His calm performance on a tough day at Royal Birkdale highlights this phenomenon.


25% Off All iHerb Brands

Find Bleeding Edge Supplements at Scandalous Prices on iHerb.


Sam Burns’ Journey to the Lead

Burns wasn’t planning to play at all, as his wife Caroline’s due date was Tuesday of tournament week. But baby Belle arrived 11 days early, and Caroline urged him to go to England. “She said ‘I’ve got this’ at home. ‘Go over there and give it your best’,” Burns shared.

ADVERTISEMENT
Player Score Position
Sam Burns -10 1st
Ryan Fox -8 Tied 2nd
Kim Si-woo -8 Tied 2nd
Bryson DeChambeau -6 Tied 4th
Tommy Fleetwood -5 Tied 7th

Key Takeaways from Round Three

  • Sam Burns shot a 65 to lead by two strokes.
  • Only 12 of 40 golfers broke par on Saturday.
  • Rory McIlroy criticized Bryson DeChambeau’s behavior after a rules penalty.
  • DeChambeau remains in contention at 6 under par.

What’s at Stake for the Final Round

With stars like Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele at 4 under, the final round promises drama. Burns will need to maintain his composure to secure his first major title, but the nappy factor might just carry him through.

FAQ

What is the nappy factor in golf?

The nappy factor is a term describing how new fathers often perform exceptionally well in golf tournaments, possibly due to increased focus or motivation.

How did Sam Burns qualify for the Open?

Burns qualified through his world ranking, but nearly withdrew due to his wife’s due date. His daughter’s early birth allowed him to compete.

Who is leading the Open after round three?

Sam Burns leads the Open at 10 under par, two shots ahead of Ryan Fox and Kim Si-woo.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT
James Northwood

Author

James Northwood

James Northwood is a PGA-certified golf instructor with over 20 years of coaching experience at elite clubs across the United States. He has contributed instructional articles to Golf Digest and regularly appears as a guest analyst on national golf podcasts. James's deep knowledge of swing mechanics and player development ensures readers receive expert, actionable advice.


SPONSORED

Get Lifetime Access to the Lastest Movies, with Exclusive Offers & Free Express Order Delivery.

The best paddle surf board isn't at Decathlon: it's this one with thousands of accessories and outlet pricing - Grand Goldman

The best paddle surf board isn't at Decathlon: it's this one with thousands of accessories and outlet pricing - Grand Goldman

Even if you keep up a great workout routine all year round, when vacation time comes, we usually tend to slack off and put training aside. A good w...

Read
This is the best time to get cheap, good running shoes: here's why - Grand Goldman

This is the best time to get cheap, good running shoes: here's why - Grand Goldman

Running is an accessible sport and we only need a little time and a good pair of running shoes to get going, which we can find right now at a good ...

Read
Sports sunglasses: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports sunglasses: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

The sun gives us energy that is vital for our system, but it can also harm us, which is why protection is vital. As Paracelsus said: the dose makes...

Read
The best folding stationary bikes: which one to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

The best folding stationary bikes: which one to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

When looking for a way to stay in shape from the comfort of our own home, few options are better than getting an exercise bike or a recumbent bike ...

Read
Pull-up bar: which one is best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Pull-up bar: which one is best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Pull-ups are undoubtedly one of the best exercises you can do to train your back and core muscles. Choosing a pull-up bar is not simple, as there a...

Read
Sports headphones: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports headphones: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

There are times when exercising can get a bit boring and tedious; not every day we are and we need an external stimulus to encourage us to train. ...

Read
Sports Sunglasses: Which Is Best to Buy? Tips and Recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports Sunglasses: Which Is Best to Buy? Tips and Recommendations - Grand Goldman

The sun provides us with energy that is vital for our system, but at the same time, it can be harmful. As Paracelsus said: the dose makes the poiso...

Read
These are the best thermal bottles to stay hydrated during this heat wave while we train in summer - Grand Goldman

These are the best thermal bottles to stay hydrated during this heat wave while we train in summer - Grand Goldman

We are experiencing one of the toughest weeks of summer, with places in the country reaching nearly 45º, making going outside dangerous, and even m...

Read
Adidas Salomon Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Adidas Salomon Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Finally, the Prime Day 2023 has begun, where we can find great deals on the Amazon website between July 11 and 12. We are sure that sports enthusia...

Read
Adidas, Puma, Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Adidas, Puma, Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Finally, Prime Day 2023 has begun, where we can find great deals on the Amazon website between July 11 and 12. Sports enthusiasts are sure to want ...

Read

ADVERTISEMENT




SPONSORED