Herbert and Burns each post 62, tying Open Championship record

Australian Lucas Herbert recorded a 62 at Royal Birkdale on Friday, tying the Open Championship single-round scoring record previously set by Branden Grace. Herbert said he considered the possibility of breaking the record as early as the third hole, noting his familiarity with tournament statistics. He qualified for the Open by finishing runner-up at the New Zealand Open and has played only three majors in the past three years.

Within half an hour, American Sam Burns posted an identical 62, also reaching five-under for the tournament. Burns, whose wife was due to give birth during the event, travelled to the United Kingdom after the baby arrived early. He explained that his participation seemed unlikely until his agent signed him up as a precaution.

Herbert’s round ended with a missed seven-foot par putt on the 18th, resulting in his sole bogey of the day. His caddie, Nick Pugh, said the putt was a mis-read and suggested the pressure of the moment may have been a factor. After the missed putt, Herbert and Pugh embraced, noting their close working relationship; Pugh also served as the reverend at Herbert’s wedding last year.

During the round, a minor controversy arose when Sky Sports observed Pugh using a rangefinder without a battery, effectively as a magnifying device. Pugh said he had obtained permission from the R&A and informed playing partners, and a walking rules official confirmed the equipment complied with tournament rules. LIV Golf, which both players belong to, permits the use of rangefinders in this manner.

Burns, who finished second at the U.S. Open last month, birdied the final three holes on Thursday and then recorded six birdies on the back nine on Friday, including a dramatic bunker shot that rolled into the hole. Herbert, ranked 109th in the world entering the week, had previously tied for 13th at the 2022 Open and missed four of his last five major cuts. His 62 featured a front-nine 28, the lowest nine-hole score at the Open since 1983, and three additional birdies on the back nine to reach nine-under before the final putt.