Herbert and Burns share major record with 62 at Open

Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns recorded eight-under-par 62s during the second round of The Open 2026 at Royal Birkdale, equaling the lowest single-round score in men's major championship history. The Australian and American golfers joined South Africa's Branden Grace as the only men to have shot a 62 at The Open, which also occurred at Royal Birkdale in 2017. Their scores mark the sixth and seventh instances of a 62 in a men's major, continuing a trend where such scores have occurred in pairs.

Herbert, playing on the LIV Golf circuit, missed a five-foot par putt on the 18th hole to finish with a bogey, while Burns chipped in for a birdie from a greenside bunker. Herbert pushed his tee-shot on the final hole well right of the fairway, requiring a penalty-free drop near the fence separating the fairway from spectators. Burns, who initially believed there was a "zero per cent chance" of playing, was encouraged by his wife Caroline to attend after their second child, Belle, was born nearly two weeks ahead of schedule on 3 July.

The contrasting finishes on the 18th green highlighted the different experiences of the two players. Herbert grimaced as the galleries groaned at his missed putt, denying him the chance to become the first man to shoot 61 at a major. Burns, conversely, punched the air as a rapturous roar reverberated across the course after his birdie. Herbert described his reaction as a mix of relief, pride, and disappointment, noting he remained in a strong position for the weekend.

Burns revealed he had no prior knowledge that 62 was the major record score. Herbert, a self-confessed "golf nerd", knew he was close to history but focused on staying present rather than the records. He assessed the bigger picture after his round, taking salvation from the fact he set the clubhouse lead at eight under par. Herbert has missed the cut in three of his previous five Open appearances, with a best finish of joint 15th in 2022.

At the time of reporting, Jackson Suber led the leaderboard on six under par after rounds of 65 and 69. Burns is three shots back on five under, while Herbert is in contention after his record-equalling round. The lowest score in any major is held by South Korea's Haeran Ryu, who shot an 11-under-par 60 at the Evian Championship earlier in July.