Sam Burns has established himself as a fan favorite and consistent contender on the PGA Tour. At the 2025 PGA Championship, Burns showcased his talent, drive, and a little offbeat humor that caught the attention of golf fans everywhere.

The Unique Motivation Driving Sam Burns

Championship Sunday at the Quail Hollow Club didn't place Sam Burns in contention for the win. With the leaders well out of reach, some players may have coasted to the finish. Not Burns. Alongside his fellow PGA Tour pro Xander Schauffele, Burns found a creative way to inject some competitiveness into the final round. According to Golf Digest, the two golf stars made a lighthearted bet: if both shot an extraordinary 62, they would get matching tattoos. Burns revealed the wager to CBS after his round and reflected on the fun and motivation it brought to their play.

While neither player managed that elusive score, their performances stood out. Burns carded a 67, the low round among those who teed off early, while Schauffele finished with a 68. Their efforts created a memorable story for fans and showcased the camaraderie and positive spirit that define the PGA Tour.

Burns and Schauffele: A Sunday to Remember

For much of their round, the tattoo wager looked viable. As noted by theScore, both golfers started hot, reaching 5-under par on the challenging Quail Hollow track. Yet, like so many, they faced difficulties with the final stretch known as the "Green Mile." Still, their combined strong showing stands as a testament to their skill and mental resilience, even when the overall outcome was out of reach.

Burns later joked about the tattoo ideas he had for Schauffele, delighting fans and demonstrating his good-natured personality. These moments, though not reflected in a trophy, add to Burns' growing legacy as a relatable and dynamic figure within professional golf.

Looking Ahead: The Broader PGA Championship Story

While Sam Burns created excitement with his Sunday charge, the 2025 PGA Championship saw Scottie Scheffler secure his third major win. Scheffler’s dominating performance at Quail Hollow was chronicled by ESPN. Burns and his bold bet remind us that, in golf, memorable stories come from everywhere in the field—not just the leaders.

Conclusion

Sam Burns’ charismatic approach and competitive edge make him one of the most engaging players on the PGA Tour. His tattoo pact with Xander Schauffele may not have resulted in new ink, but it did deliver one of the most talked-about highlights of the championship. For fans of Burns and followers of the PGA Tour, moments like these are a reminder of why we love the sport—every round brings new stories, fresh challenges, and the enduring spirit of the game.