Sam Bairstow’s smooth-going journey in golf is on an increasingly upward trend. Having turned pro only in 2022, this talent-packed 25-year-old has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. In his outings from January through March on DPWT, this European sensation has earned six top-25 finishes, which comprises a top-three in Singapore. Surely, Bairstow is adjusting well to life on Tour.

With only the greatest of possibilities ahead of this star full of potential, a deeper dive into unveiling his true self brings joy to the game’s enthusiasts like ourselves. His captivating performance at the 2024 U.S. Open so far only leads us further in this direction. So who really is Sam Bairstow?

Sam Bairstow’s lifestyle explored

Sam Bairstow was born in Sheffield, United Kingdom, on August 12th, 1998. Holder of a glorious amateur career, Bairstow turned pro in September 2022. The 25-year-old prefers to keep to himself and lead a private life, as is apparent from the lack of a public presence on platforms like Instagram and X.

Growing up, Bairstow’s favorite golfer has remained Tiger Woods, as he is aware the majority also opines. A couple of years ago, the Yorkshireman revealed he has a liking for Drake’s music and an ambition to get higher up in the ranks of the PGA Tour. The young, budding star’s dream fourball involves Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Phil Mickelson. His deepest desire? A win at the majors. In fact, he would even pick a major win over a lottery win.

Additionally, Barstow has been working in collaboration with Callaway Golf Europe, the financial service platform Vorto Trading, and Club de Golf Alcanada. He has also named an international win at the 2023 Farmfoods Scottish Challenge, supported by the R&A. All things considered, what is the mental attitude that Bairstow keeps up for success on the greens?

Sam Bairstow’s mindset on the course

Bairstow’s game rests on tenets of mental strength. “You either play well or you don’t; you qualify or you don’t,” is one motto this 25-year-old sensation lives by when it comes to highly competitive events. His greatest source of inspiration tracks back to advice delivered by one of his England coaches, Nigel Edwards. His advice centered on the grounds that, in a high-pressure situation, rather than standing over the ball and trying not to hit a poor shot, one should shift their focus to trying to make a good one instead.

It finds its grounds in making use of more of a mental than a technical shift to improve his odds at a better finish, as a positive vision prior to executing the shot yields improved end results. Elaborating on his different approach to different setups, Bairstow said, “My mindset is a little different at those where you can just go and play and see what happens. It frees you up.”

It seems this strategy has been working strongly for this budding sensation at Pinehurst No. 2. So how exactly is his debut at the U.S. Open going on?

Bairstow’s performance at his debut U.S. Open

This season’s third major marks the debut of a recently transitioned pro golfer, Bairstow, in the realms of the U.S. Open. A week prior to the U.S. Open, an excited Sam Bairstow delineated his expectations and evaluations of the major week. He said, “Apart from Pebble Beach, I couldn’t have picked a better golf course to make a US Open debut at than Pinehurst. I’ve been looking forward to it a lot, ever since I qualified, and it should hopefully be a great week.”

Interestingly enough, this young Yorkshireman’s expectations have turned out to be true; Pinehurst has indeed been lucky for him so far. Bairstow opened his first-ever U.S. Open round with a not-so-good score: 14-over par 84. But Friday proved to be more fruitful for him, as he shot an interesting 3-under 67. His performance has even been dubbed the “best round posted so far today.” His jump from 84 to 67 could be regarded as the greatest US Open bounceback.

While the weekend of the most traditional event remains, it is yet to be seen whether Bairstow will keep his newly picked-up pace or lose it amidst the chaos of the rushed major week at Pinehurst. His focus on mentally winning varied battles might come in handy in this complex puzzle the golf world calls the U.S. Open.