Herbert Seizes Open Lead as DeChambeau Penalty Reshapes Royal Birkdale
Lucas Herbert’s historic 62 puts him two shots clear, while Bryson DeChambeau’s ruling controversy drops the LIV Golf star to three shots off the pace.
Lucas Herbert has taken command of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, shooting a historic 8-under 62 to secure a two-shot lead heading into the final round. Herbert’s performance on Friday places him at the top of the leaderboard as the tournament reaches its halfway point, with the final major of the golf season set to conclude on Saturday, 18 July.
The field’s dynamics were significantly altered by a ruling against Bryson DeChambeau, who now sits three shots off the lead. The LIV Golf star had been one shot behind Herbert after completing his second round at 7-under par, marking a return to contention after missing the cut in the previous three major championships. However, a two-shot penalty for manipulating his lie during the second round shifted his standing, dropping him from the immediate chase pack.
The penalty followed a protracted and animated discussion between DeChambeau and officials from the R&A, the governing body overseeing the tournament. Reports indicate that DeChambeau reportedly threatened to withdraw from the championship during the dispute before ultimately confirming he would remain in the competition. The incident has drawn attention to the officiating standards at Royal Birkdale as the players prepare for the final day.
Herbert’s round of 62 stands as a standout performance in the third round, traditionally known as "Moving Day," which often dictates the final leaderboard. His score provides a buffer against the field, though DeChambeau remains a prominent figure at the top of the standings alongside other contenders. Herbert was scheduled to start the third round at 10:50 a.m., following a tee time sheet that included Alex Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre at 10 a.m., and DeChambeau and Sam Burns at 10:30 a.m.
The final round will be broadcast on USA Network from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. ET and on NBC and Peacock from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Saturday. With Herbert holding the advantage and DeChambeau navigating the aftermath of his penalty, the conclusion of The Open Championship promises to be a decisive moment in the season.
