Scottie Scheffler hails Sam Burns after his performance at The Open so far

Scottie Scheffler believes it is “just a matter of time” before Sam Burns wins a major after he moved to the top of The Open leaderboard.

Burns came agonizingly close to his maiden major win at this year’s US Open, where Wyndham Clark edged him out by a single shot.

But the former now holds a two-shot lead heading into Sunday at The Open, ahead of which he has received praise from the world’s number one golfer.

Scheffler and Burns are close friends, and the latter is now looking to go one step further than his US Open runner-up finish at The Open Championship.

Scottie Scheffler praises ‘really good’ golfer Sam Burns at The Open

Scheffler spoke to the media after his third round at the event at Royal Birkdale, where he was asked if he’s seen any differences in Burns’ game that have really helped take him to another level.

He replied simply: “Not really. He’s really good at golf,” before adding: “He’s someone I spend so much time around. I know how good he is.

“Sometimes you just need to continue to build that experience and put yourself in the positions. He was close at the US Open last year. He was close again at the US Open this year.

“He’s played a lot of really good golf in a lot of the biggest tournaments. It’s really difficult to win out here a bunch of times.

“Sam’s a guy that’s been knocking on the door a few times this year and hasn’t been able to get it done. But like it’s just a matter of continuing to give yourself opportunities, continuing to knock on the door.

“Sam’s a guy that’s been on the last few Ryder Cups, last few Presidents Cups, and he’s a guy that I see all the time. He’s got a ton of talent. For me it’s just a matter of time until he gets it done in one of these.

“Like I said, just continue to give yourself the opportunities, continue to knock on the door. No, I haven’t seen a huge change in his game or anything like that.

“I think sometimes you just need to continue to put yourself in these situations. He’s definitely got the talent.”

While Scheffler is a four-time major winner, Burns has yet to get over the line, although he now has a sensational chance at Royal Birkdale.

His efforts this week certainly suggest his time is near, with the leader having carded rounds of 73 and 65 either side of Burns’ major-record-equalling 62.

Scottie Scheffler not ready to give his opinion on Bryson DeChambeau’s penalty

Unfortunately for Scheffler, he was not able to escape the controversy surrounding another American in Southport.

But when he was asked to share his thoughts on Bryson DeChambeau’s two-stroke penalty in round two, he said: “I was out practising. I was playing with him yesterday.

“I don’t really have a ton to say on it. Actually, I do have a ton to say. I haven’t decided exactly what I want to say publicly yet.

“I do have some thoughts. I just… I don’t really feel like now is the time or place for me to comment. We’re in the middle of a tournament, and I’m focused on what I need to do.

“I need to go out tomorrow and shoot a low round. I’m not really going to expand on it too much.”

Scheffler finds himself in a tie for 11th place heading into the final round at Royal Birkdale, six shots behind Burns.

He has carded rounds of 68, 68 and 70 thus far, and remains in with a chance of successfully defending his title from Royal Portrush last year.

Read more:Brad Faxon: What Scottie Scheffler had to deal with at The Open was ‘like a two-stroke penalty’