LSU men’s golf freshman Sam Burns began his collegiate career with a bang and is using that momentum to continue his high level of play throughout the 2015 season.
The Shreveport, Louisiana, native is one of three golfers and the only freshman to be in LSU’s lineups for each tournament this season. Senior Zach Wright and junior Eric Ricard are the only other golfers to compete for the Tigers this year.
Burns shot a 3-under par 69 in his debut round on Sept. 11 at the Carpet Capital Collegiate Classic, LSU’s opening tournament this season. He cooled off in the later rounds, shooting a 78 in the second and a 76 in the CCCC’s final round but still managed a top-20 finish.
LSU coach Chuck Winstead said even with the excitement Burns had coming into LSU, the event was the freshman’s debut event and he played well.
“Sam Burns’ 69 in the first round was a big deal for us,” Winstead said. “Whether you’re [Burns] coming in with a lot of hype or not, it was still his first freshmen event.”
In the Tigers’ second  tournament, the Golfweek Conference Challenge, Burns continued his blazing start.
The LSU freshman propelled himself 18 spots up the leaderboards after the second round shooting 4-under par 68, a new career high. Burns finished the GCC tied for 16th place and was the highest-placing LSU golfer.
Burns’ play placed him as a focal point for the Tigers’ success and impressed his teammates, including junior Brandon Pierce, who said Burns has a bright future.
“[To play at a high level] at any type of a tournament in college, that’s awesome.” Pierce said. “He’s got a lot ahead of him.”
In his young LSU career, Burns proved a strong asset, adding depth and dependability to the Tiger lineup. He was the centerpiece of a LSU’s 2015 No.1 recruiting class as the No. 1
junior golfer.
Prior to joining LSU, Burns had a stellar junior golf career and received multiple recognitions and honors for his play. He was named the 2014 American Junior Golf Association Rolex Junior Player of the Year and was crowned the 2014 PGA
Junior Championship Champion.
He sharpened his skills at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport and was instrumental in leading the Cavaliers to five straight Louisiana High School Athletics Association state championships from 2010-2014. Burns also won three individual state championships, two Division III championships and a Division IV crown during his time as a
Cavalier.
Burns looks to keep his hot start at the David Toms Intercollegiate Classic on Saturday. The two-day event will kick off at 8:30 a.m., and Burns will more than likely be in the Tigers’
lineup.