Sam Burns’ wife, Caroline Burns, and their young son, Bear, are at the heart of the PGA Tour golfer’s pursuit of the U.S. Open title at Oakmont. Caroline has been by Sam’s side long before he became a fixture at major championships. The two were childhood friends who eventually reconnected later in life, just when the timing was right.
Less than 24 hours before his final round at the U.S. Open, Sam spoke openly about what it means to compete in front of his family on Father’s Day. “We were joking with the Schefflers yesterday afternoon—just hanging out in the yard with the boys, no clothes on, splashing around in the little splash pad, having the time of their lives,” Sam recalled with a smile. “We were like, what did we even do before this?”
After getting engaged in 2019, Caroline gave a rare glimpse into their relationship during an interview with WJCL News, just months before their December wedding. She revealed a sweet detail from their past: she was Sam’s first Valentine when they were only five years old. “We grew up in the same hometown but went to different schools, so we didn’t start dating until college,” Caroline shared. “But we’ve really known each other forever. I was his first valentine when we were five—that’s our sweet little story.”
While the idea of winning the U.S. Open on Father’s Day would be unforgettable, Sam says he’s simply grateful for the moment and the chance to share it with the people he loves most. “It’s just so much fun,” he said. “There’s nothing better for me than coming home after a long day and seeing Bear and Caroline, spending time with them. I love it so much. And to have the chance to win on Father’s Day? That would be really special.”