Herbert equals Open record with blistering front nine at Royal Birkdale

Lucas Herbert has equaled an Open Championship record with a front-nine score of 28 during the second morning of play at Royal Birkdale. The 30-year-old Australian moved to the top of the leaderboard at six under par after a standout performance on the outward nine, matching the record previously set by Denis Durnian in 1983 at the same Southport venue.

Herbert began the day at level par but generated immediate momentum with three successive birdies starting from the first hole. He added three more scores under par before the turn, including two on the short par-four fifth and one on the ninth. The rapid start placed him two shots clear of overnight leader Jackson Suber, who briefly reached six under par with an early birdie before dropping back to share second place with fellow American Bud Cauley at three under par through 11 holes.

England’s Matt Wallace held the clubhouse lead at four under par after completing a round of 68. Wallace, who is seeking to become the first English winner since Sir Nick Faldo at Muirfield in 1992, noted that conditions similar to the previous morning played into his favour. He acknowledged the support from spectators eager to see an Englishman win the championship on home soil for the first time since Tony Jacklin in 1969.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy faced a difficult start to his campaign, managing just one birdie and one bogey to finish the round two over par. McIlroy’s performance left him outside the early predicted cut line, a significant departure from the expectations set by his recent major victory.

Herbert, playing in his sixth Open Championship, has previously missed the cut in three prior appearances. His current position at the top of the leaderboard marks a pivotal moment in his career, as he looks to translate his record-equalling form into a sustained challenge for the title.