With tournament week officially underway in Houston, Sam Burns is bringing both momentum and good vibes to the Lone Star State.
Just days before teeing it up at the Texas Children’s Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course, the five-time PGA Tour winner stopped by Raising Cane’s to surprise fans, serve up Chicken Finger meals, and connect with the community during a special meet-and-greet event.
The Louisiana native — who is proudly partnered with the fast-growing chicken finger brand — spent the afternoon signing autographs, chatting with fans, and even stepping behind the counter for a “shift.”
But while the setting was lighthearted, Burns’ focus for the week ahead is clear.
After a solid stretch of performances — including a T13 finish at The Players Championship — Burns says his game is starting to click at the right time. And heading into the Houston Open, his excitement is unmistakable.
“I’m really excited,” Burns told Celeb Secrets when asked about his headspace entering the week. “I love coming here to Houston. We always have a great turnout with fans and support at this event.”
The tournament also marks a long-awaited return for the golfer, who hasn’t competed here in recent seasons.
“It’s an event I really look forward to,” he continued. “I haven’t been able to play the last couple years, but I’m excited to be back and looking forward to being out there this week.”
With a strong field and a course that rewards aggressive play, Burns is eager to get things rolling.
Fans of Burns know the nickname “Third-Degree Burns,” a nod to his ability to heat up quickly and post low scores when his game catches fire.
But when Celeb Secrets asked what that mentality looks like week-to-week on the PGA Tour, Burns explained that consistency and preparation are the real keys behind the nickname.
“I think we play a pretty long schedule throughout the year,” he shared. “So really just trying to come into each and every week and be prepared and ready to play.”
And while practice rounds and preparation are essential, Burns admits there’s another ritual that helps kickstart tournament week.
“It always helps starting the week out here and getting some good food,” he joked, referencing the Raising Cane’s stop.
With a stacked leaderboard and favorable weather expected at Memorial Park, Burns says he’s ready for the challenge.
“It’s a really strong field this year, a great golf course, and it looks like we’re going to have some pretty good weather,” he added. “So I’m looking forward to it.”
Burns’ presence at Raising Cane’s wasn’t just about serving chicken fingers. It highlighted a partnership that feels deeply personal.
The Choudrant, Louisiana native grew up surrounded by the brand, which was founded just steps from the campus of Louisiana State University, where Burns starred as a collegiate golfer. So when Celeb Secrets asked what the collaboration means to him, the answer was heartfelt.
“It’s a huge honor,” Burns said. “When you think about how impactful this brand is and the communities that they serve, and what they’re able to do — it’s a big honor for me to be a very small part of it.”
Burns also credited the strong relationship he’s built with Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves.
“We have a great friendship,” Burns explained when asked about his relationship with Graves. “I started joking with him about partnering up a year or so ago, and he said, ‘Well if you’re serious, let’s get it done.’ It was a perfect fit for both of us.”
“I’m very appreciative of Todd and everyone involved,” he added. “And I look forward to hopefully having this partnership for a very long time.”
Graves, who connected with Burns during his time at LSU, has supported his rise from collegiate standout to one of the PGA Tour’s most consistent performers.
“Sam and I met when he was playing for LSU and have been friends ever since. He’s a true Caniac and we always have fun together,” said Graves. “I’ve enjoyed cheering him on throughout the years and am proud of all that he’s accomplished. I’m looking forward to watching him compete this weekend.”
As Burns prepares to compete against some of the biggest names in golf, the stage is set for a thrilling week at Memorial Park. Burns has already proven he can contend here, recording two top-10 finishes in past appearances. And with his recent form trending upward, many believe another big result could be just around the corner.
For now, though, the focus is simple: soak in the moment, connect with fans, and get ready for Thursday’s opening round.
And if a box combo from Cane’s happens to be part of that routine? Well, Burns isn’t complaining.
“Well, first off — who doesn’t love Raising Cane’s?” Burns joked when speaking to media. “I grew up eating Cane’s. As someone from Louisiana, it’s kind of in our DNA.”
The Texas Children’s Houston Open kicks off with opening rounds this Thursday, March 26, 2026 and runs through Sunday, March 30, 2026 at the Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston.
