Sam Burns has become one of the most consistent and exciting names on the PGA Tour, known for his elite putting, five tour wins, and multiple Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup appearances. But many golf fans still want to know the basics: where is Sam Burns from, and how did his hometown shape the player he is today? Here’s everything you need to know about Sam Burns’ origins, upbringing, and path to professional golf.
Where Is Sam Burns From?
Sam Burns was born on July 23, 1996, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and that city remains his official hometown to this day. He grew up in a tight-knit, sports-driven family in the Shreveport area before later settling in Choudrant, Louisiana, located roughly an hour east of his hometown, where he resides today with his wife and son.
Early Life and Family Background
Burns’ full name is Samuel Holland Burns, and his roots in Louisiana run deep. He was raised by his parents, Todd and Beth Burns, in a household where football was just as important as golf. Todd Burns played football at Louisiana Tech and went on to become a successful businessman, founding “Time-It Lube,” which grew to 28 locations across Louisiana and Texas before being sold to Valvoline in 2017.
Sam’s older brother, Chase, also played football at Louisiana Tech and was the one who first introduced young Sam to golf, giving him his first lesson in the backyard with an eight-iron. Burns also has an older sister, Tori, who has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. For a while, Sam balanced both football and golf through middle school, and his mother, a devoted fan of Friday night football, initially hoped he would stick with the gridiron. Burns persisted with golf, even convincing his parents to install a backyard putting green to sharpen his short game.
High School and Junior Golf Success
Burns attended Calvary Baptist Academy, where he became a three-time individual state champion. His junior career was decorated, highlighted by a win at the 2014 Junior PGA Championship at Miramont Country Club in Bryan, Texas, a year after finishing runner-up in the same event. That same year, he also won the AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions in record-setting fashion, posting a 21-under 267 to break the AJGA’s 72-hole scoring record. His performance that season earned him the prestigious AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year award, an honor previously given to golf legends like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, and Scottie Scheffler.
College Career at LSU
Staying true to his Louisiana roots, Burns enrolled at Louisiana State University, where he played two seasons of college golf from 2015 to 2017. During his standout sophomore season, he won four tournaments in 15 starts, earned first-team All-American honors, and was named the NCAA Division I Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year, as well as the 2017 SEC Player of the Year. His four collegiate victories rank second in LSU program history, trailing only David Toms, and he still holds school records for single-season and career scoring average. Burns also represented the United States on the winning 2017 Arnold Palmer Cup team before turning professional later that year.
Turning Pro and PGA Tour Career
Burns made his PGA Tour debut at the 2017 Sanderson Farms Championship and earned his first professional win at the 2018 Savannah Golf Championship on the Web.com Tour. He secured his PGA Tour card for the 2019 season and has remained a fixture ever since. Burns has gone on to win five PGA Tour titles, including back-to-back Valspar Championships in 2021 and 2022, the Sanderson Farms Championship, the Charles Schwab Challenge, and the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, where he defeated Cameron Young in the final.
Burns reached a career-high world ranking of No. 9 in May 2022 and has represented Team USA at the 2022 and 2024 Presidents Cups, as well as the 2023 and 2025 Ryder Cups. He is widely regarded as one of the best putters on tour, ranking first in strokes gained: putting during the 2025 season.
Personal Life Today
Burns married his longtime partner, Caroline, in December 2019 after proposing during the 2019 RBC Heritage Tournament. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Bear, in April 2024, and are expecting their second child in July 2026. Despite his rising fame on the PGA Tour, Burns has stayed close to his Louisiana roots, choosing to live just an hour from where he grew up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Sam Burns originally from? A: Sam Burns was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Q: Where does Sam Burns live now? A: He currently resides in Choudrant, Louisiana, about an hour east of Shreveport.
Q: Did Sam Burns play college golf? A: Yes, Burns played golf at Louisiana State University from 2015 to 2017, where he was a first-team All-American.
Q: How many PGA Tour wins does Sam Burns have? A: As of 2026, Sam Burns has five PGA Tour victories.
Q: Is Sam Burns married? A: Yes, he married Caroline Burns in December 2019, and the couple has one son together, with a second child expected in July 2026.
What do you think — does Sam Burns have what it takes to win his first major championship? Drop your prediction in the comments and stay tuned for more updates on his 2026 season!