US Open Fans Are Confusing Sam Burns With Another Golfer Related to Arnold Palmer
US Open Fans Are Confusing Sam Burns With Another Golfer Related to Arnold Palmer originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As Sam Burns continues to impress during the U.S. Open, there seems to be confusion among some fans believing the PGA Tour golfer is related to Arnold Palmer. A quick look at Google Trends shows fans are searching for Burns’ potential connection to Palmer, wondering if the golfer is his grandson.
This would make for an amazing story as Palmer grew up less than an hour away from Oakmont where Burns has a chance to win the U.S. Open. Unfortunately, fans appear to be confusing Burns with another golfer named Sam.
While Burns is not related to Palmer, golfer Sam Saunders does have a family connection to the legend. Saunders is Palmer’s grandson, not Burns as some fans are wondering during the 2025 U.S. Open.
The golfer turned pro in 2009 and has played 159 events over his career earning $ 3.4 million, per the PGA Tour. For those wondering what kind of grandfather Palmer was, Saunders shared an incredible story about the legend answering his phone while he was at the oval office meeting the president.
Sam Saunders looks back on the relationship with his grandfather Arnold Palmer and the desire to continue his legacy. pic.twitter.com/Wj861f6rgg
— GOLFTV (@GOLFTV) March 3, 2020
“One day, when Palmer asked the question (where are you?), Saunders said, ‘I’m at home, where are you?'” Lauren Kirschman wrote on October 5, 2016, for PGA of America.
“When Palmer replied he was with the President — and after Saunders made him clarify that he did indeed mean the President of the United States — Saunders had one question for his grandfather: ‘Why did you answer the phone?’
Sam Saunders, grandson of Arnold Palmer, joined us live this AM from @ArnoldPalmerCup and talked about how impressed he is with the future stars of the game.@GolfChannel | @congareegolf | @Garywilliams1Up | @PinehurstResort
Watch Full Show: https://t.co/MsGd5YSuA4pic.twitter.com/WvJTbhD9k9
— 5 Clubs (@5ClubsGolf) June 4, 2025
“‘I wanted to talk to you,’ Saunders recalled Palmer saying.”
Burns might not have a connection to Palmer, but the golfer heads into the final round of the U.S. Open as the favorite to win the major.
Related: Sam Burns Sends Clear Message on Wife Caroline Burns
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
