Sam Burns is a rising star in the golf world, having won five PGA Tour titles, including the Valspar Championship in 2021. But many fans are curious about his family background and whether he has any connection to the legendary Arnold Palmer. Here’s what we know about Sam Burns’ relatives and his relationship with the late golf icon.
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One of the most common questions that people ask about Sam Burns is whether he is related to Arnold Palmer, the seven-time major champion and one of the greatest golfers of all time. The answer is no, Sam Burns is not related to Arnold Palmer.
The confusion may stem from the fact that both Burns and Palmer have the same first name, Sam. However, that is just a coincidence and they have no blood relation. In fact, Palmer’s grandson is also a professional golfer, but his name is Sam Saunders, not Sam Burns.
According to Fresherslive, there is no confirmed relation between Burns and Palmer, despite previous speculation about their familial connection. Saunders, on the other hand, is the son of Palmer’s daughter Amy and her husband Roy Saunders.
Sam Burns has a supportive family of his own
Sam Burns may not be related to Arnold Palmer, but he has a supportive family of his own that has helped him achieve his golfing dreams. Burns was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Todd and Beth Burns. He has a younger brother named Chase and a younger sister named Anna.
According to Wikipedia2, Burns was a three-time individual state champion at Calvary Baptist Academy during his prep career. He was also named AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year in 2014. He played college golf at Louisiana State University, where he won four tournaments in 15 collegiate starts during his sophomore season. He was named a first-team All-American and was the NCAA Division I Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year for the 2016–17 season.
Burns turned professional in 2017 and earned his PGA Tour card in 2018. He won his first professional title at the 2018 Savannah Golf Championship on the Web.com Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour). He has since won five PGA Tour titles, including two in 2021.
Burns married his longtime girlfriend Caroline Campbell in 2019. They live in Choudrant, Louisiana, where they are active members of their local church.
Sam Burns admires Arnold Palmer’s legacy
Sam Burns may not be related to Arnold Palmer, but he admires his legacy and his impact on the game of golf. According to Essentially Sports, Burns has expressed his respect for Palmer and his achievements on several occasions.
In 2017, Burns represented the United States on the winning Arnold Palmer Cup team, an annual competition between college golfers from the US and Europe. The event honors Palmer’s legacy and promotes his values of sportsmanship, integrity, and philanthropy.
In 2020, Burns played in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a PGA Tour event hosted by Palmer’s foundation at his home course of Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Burns finished tied for 36th place in his debut appearance at the tournament.
In 2021, Burns paid tribute to Palmer after winning the Valspar Championship, which was held on the same week as Palmer’s birthday. Burns said that he was inspired by Palmer’s example and that he hoped to emulate his character and generosity.
“I think just what he did for the game of golf was incredible,” Burns said of Palmer. “He was such a great ambassador for our sport and just how he treated people. I think that’s something that I always try to do is just treat people how I want to be treated.”
Burns added that he was honored to win a tournament that had Palmer’s name on it.
“It means a lot,” he said. “It’s pretty cool to see his name on this trophy.”
Conclusion
Sam Burns is one of the most promising golfers on the PGA Tour, but he is not related to Arnold Palmer, despite having the same first name. Palmer’s grandson is Sam Saunders, another professional golfer who plays on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Burns has a supportive family of his own that includes his parents Todd and Beth, his siblings Chase and Anna, and his wife Caroline. He also admires Palmer’s legacy and his influence on the game of golf.
Sam Burns is related to his own family, not Arnold Palmer’s, but he shares a passion for golf and a respect for people that makes him worthy of being compared to the legend.