Amanda Balionis’ surprise pick to win U.S. Open with Rory McIlroy snubbed

CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis reflected on an eventful week and dramatic finish at the Canadian Open

Amanda Balions has looked beyond Rory McIlroy as her pick to win the U.S. Open(Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Amanda Balionis has her eyes set on Sam Burns to clinch the U.S. Open title this week after his nail-biting playoff loss at the Canadian Open on Sunday.

Burns wowed with a stellar eight-under-par 62 that catapulted him into the clubhouse lead at TPC Toronto, only for New Zealand’s Ryan Fox to catch up with a birdie at the final hole, tying Burns at 18-under-par and triggering a playoff.

The duo remained neck and neck until the fourth extra hole, where Fox delivered a jaw-dropping shot to the par-five 18th, securing a winning birdie. , following his victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic four weeks prior.

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Despite over two years since his fifth PGA Tour win, Burns’ recent performance suggests he’s still a force to be reckoned with, even if Sunday’s close call—missing a birdie putt on the first playoff hole—might leave a bitter taste for some time.

Yet, CBS Sports’ Balionis, who caught up with Fox post-victory, is betting against top picks such as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy for the U.S. Open. She’s backing 28-year-old Burns as a prime candidate to triumph at Oakmont, where the action begins Thursday.

Reflecting on her experience in Canada, Balionis took to Instagram, posting: “Canada? You never disappoint. Today was another memorable final round with a very worthy champion.”

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