Scottie Scheffler praises Sam Burns’ game, admits asking for tips on a specific skill

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Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns are two names to keep an eye on as the US Ryder Cup team gets going at the Procore Championship.

Scheffler, currently holding the top spot in the world rankings, is looking to build on his strong form. However, a two-under opening round was not exactly what you would expect from someone of his ability.

Burns did not fare much better, finishing T51 at one-under-par. Both players found it hard to find any real rhythm early on.

Still, this week is about more than just scores. For Team USA, it is a chance to build chemistry ahead of Bethpage Black.

Speaking with the media after his round, Scheffler was full of praise for his teammates, and seemed eager to highlight their strengths.

Scottie Scheffler speaks up for Sam Burns after opening round of Procore Championship

After his first round 70 left him tied for 38th, Scheffler was asked about Burns, and he did not hesitate to show his admiration for the friend.

“Yeah, I mean, Sam’s a great guy. He’s a great person off the course, he’s extremely competitive on the course. He’s a guy I’ve known since junior golf, I’ve known him for a long time. We’ve had a relationship for quite a while and been good buddies. We were good buddies in junior golf and we’re still good buddies to this day.”

Scheffler also talked about how impressed he is with Burns’ putting routine.

“I think mentally he’s really tough. I think he does a really good job of staying free and loose while he’s putting. He does his little Aim Point stuff, he does it very quick and he kind of gets an idea where he wants to, and then it’s like everything else shuts off and he just hits it. It’s pretty impressive,” explained Scheffler.

“I’ve talked to him about it numerous times, the way he does it. And that’s kind of something that’s helped my putting as well, trying to become more athletic, be more visual and that’s something that he does really well.”

The world number one also said there are always things players can pick up from one another.

“Well, I think we all can learn from each other out here. Just because you’re good at one thing doesn’t mean you can’t learn from somebody else. I feel like I’m always trying to learn little bits and pieces from guys when they’ll give up some information.”

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Sam Burns shines with putter in 2025

It is well known across the PGA Tour that Sam Burns has few equals with the putter in hand.

He leads the tour in strokes gained putting, tops the list for putts made inside 10 feet, and is near the top of several other key metrics as well.

The challenge for Burns has been rounding out the rest of his game. His putting is a clear strength, but consistency in other areas remains a work in progress if he wants to contend more regularly.

Scheffler’s point about players learning from one another rings true here, and it would not hurt Burns to lean on the world number one when he can.