Sam Burns has everything in front of him at the Masters

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 09: Sam Burns of the United States looks on from the 18th green during the first round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images It is hard not to see green. This was my thought two weeks ago when standing in a Raising Cane’s in Houston, Texas.

I was there to speak to Sam Burns ahead of the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and I was wondering how he could focus on Memorial Park when Augusta National was less than a carton of milk away from a time perspective. Thankfully I had the chance to ask Sam a few questions so I specifically asked this one. His answer was what you’d expect, but given that he is tied for the lead after the first round (tied with defending champion Rory McIlroy of all people) it is particularly interesting.

Kudos to Sam Burns for a fantastic Thursday at the Masters pic. twitter. com/lbb5m9g1Ti — RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) April 10, 2026 “I think each and every week I try to show up and be prepared as possible.

Prepared to play my best and ultimately… you know when I’m here this week I’m present. Focusing on this tournament. Obviously in a couple of weeks there’s a pretty big tournament coming up in Augusta, Georgia, but when I’m here this week I’m focused on trying to compete and play my best.