Sam Burns and Lucas Herbert each shot a 62 during the second round of the 2026 Open Championship on Friday [1].
The performance marks a rare occurrence in professional golf, as both players tied the lowest round ever recorded in a major championship [1]. Matching this historic benchmark places both the American and Australian golfers in an elite tier of scoring efficiency during a major event [2].
The record-tying rounds took place at the Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent, England [3]. Both Burns and Herbert finished the round with an eight-under par score of 62 [1].
Burns' performance during the second round on July 17 [4] puts him in a strong position as the tournament progresses. The 62-stroke mark has long stood as the gold standard for single-round scoring in majors, and having two players reach it in the same tournament is an unusual feat [2].
Herbert's climb toward the record was tracked closely throughout his round, with reports indicating he was eight-under through 12 holes before closing in on the history-making score [5]. The conditions at Royal St George’s provided the backdrop for these historic numbers, which are now etched into the record books of the British Open [3].
While the 62 ties the existing record, the achievement provides significant momentum for both players heading into the weekend. The ability to maintain such a high level of precision over 18 holes in a major championship is a critical indicator of form [2].
“Both players shot a 62 in the second round, tying the major‑championship low‑round record.”
Tying the major-championship low-round record is a significant statistical anomaly that highlights the current scoring volatility at Royal St George’s. When two players match this benchmark in a single tournament, it suggests that course conditions or player form have aligned to allow for historic scoring, potentially shifting the leaderboard dynamics for the remainder of the championship.
