Representing your country is one of the greatest honors and experiences for any athlete. Sam Burns will get his second chance this week as he was named to the President’s Cup squad as a Captain’s Pick by Team USA captain Jim Furyk. The Shreveport, LA native is one of 12 players who will face 12 of the best international pros outside of Europe when things get going this week at Royal Montreal Golf Club.
Burns’ selection to the team comes after a stellar 2024 PGA Tour campaign. He ranks among the tour leaders in several metrics, including ranking second in overall putting and second in birdie average. He has made 18 cuts in 21 races along with eight top-10 finishes.
“Sam is a great player who has consistently placed on the leaderboards over the last four years,” Furyk said of choosing Burns. “He has proven that he excels in racing and displays an unwavering level of passion and determination along the way, which will be a great asset to our team in Montreal.”
Ahead of the start of the 15th leg of the 2024 President’s Cup in Montreal, the five-time tour winner sat down with M+F to discuss his choice to represent his country, how his thoughts on nutrition have evolved the deeper he gets into his career and why he will always make room for some cooking in the city.
Sam Burns is in for a special week
For Burns and the other 11 members on the American side, the season is spent competing against each other and there isn’t enough time to get to know each other. This week not only offers an opportunity to represent their country, but also for each man to get to know each other away from the game of golf.
“It’s really a nice opportunity,” Burns said. “Being a part of this team is really special. When your career is over and you finish the game, you will remember the memories made during these kinds of weeks. I’m really excited to start the week.”
With their win in 2022, the USA holds a 12-1-1 record in the biennial event and is undefeated at home at 8-0-0.
Eat well, play well
During the season, Burns focuses on eating clean and avoiding seed oils like canola, corn and peanut. His wife Caroline cooks most of his meals during the season “I’m a big believer in the mind-body connection,” he says. “When I eat bad food, it makes me feel bad. Eating clean helps with clean energy.”
Even with the clean focus a priority for him, Burns let it be known that he won’t be turning his nose up at some of Louisiana’s culinary staples, like crawfish and jambalaya. As the game can ride in the sun for up to six hours, he makes sure to have a combination of protein and carbohydrates nearby to keep his energy up.
Education is an aspect of the tour all year round
Although there is no sprinting or jumping involved, the game of golf places a unique stress on the body. From the repetitive swinging movements to the steady walking of classes, it is important that every part of the body is strong so that there are no imbalances. Burns takes this aspect of his preparation very seriously and it also helps him gain confidence when competing.
“I always go back to my training and preparation,” he said. “I always feel that if I prepare well and train hard, then I’ve done my best. If I go out there and things don’t go well, I can accept it and move on from it. It’s the moments when I don’t play well, but I’ve prepared well, that disappoint me the most.”
Burns will be the first to admit he’s not a fan of cardio — “I hate cardio,” he said — but he understands the importance of being disciplined in his training to keep his body strong and moving properly so he can can swing the golf club effectively. He works with a physical therapist throughout the year and focuses heavily on injury prevention strategies.
Sam Burns: Feel The Burn Workout
Assault Bike: 20-25 minutes
15 minute warm-up – includes dynamic stretching with bands
Superset of cable swivels and folding drawers – 3 x 8
T-Spine Rotation and Pallaf Raise Superset – 2 x 10
Rows and Cable Chest Press Superset – 3 x 8
Dumbbell Chest Press Single Set – 3 x 8
RDL with one leg‘s, Goblet Squats w Kettlebell – 4 x 8
Finish with mobility stretches
Follow Sam on Instagram @samburns66
Here’s the full Presidents Cup TV schedule
Thursday, September 26: 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (GOLF Channel)
Friday, September 27: 1-6 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Saturday, September 28: 7-8 a.m. (Golf Channel). 8 am-6 pm (NBC)
Sunday, September 29: 12-6 p.m. (NBC)
