Australian golfer Lucas Herbert shot an eight-under 62 on Friday to tie the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major championship [1].
The performance puts Herbert in a commanding position heading into the weekend at the Open Championship. By matching the all-time scoring record for a single round, he has established himself as the primary contender for the title at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England [2].
Herbert finished the second round with a two-shot lead [1]. Despite the historic nature of the score, the golfer expressed a mix of pride and frustration regarding his performance on the course [1].
“I'm a little bit disappointed that I didn't get lower than 62, but I'm proud of the round,” Herbert said [1].
The record-tying effort was nearly surpassed on the final hole. Herbert said that he missed a putt that would have lowered his score further, a moment he believes will linger in his memory [2].
“When I got on the green for that final putt I just missed it – that will stay with me,” Herbert said [2].
He reiterated the desire for a better finish during the round, saying that it was an amazing round but he wished he could have gotten a birdie on that last putt [3].
The 62 [1] marks one of the most dominant displays of scoring in the history of men's major golf. Herbert's ability to maintain such a high level of precision at Royal Birkdale has shifted the momentum of the tournament in his favor as the field enters the third round.
“I'm a little bit disappointed that I didn't get lower than 62, but I'm proud of the round.”
Tying the lowest round in major championship history provides Herbert with both a statistical advantage and a psychological edge. While his disappointment over the final putt suggests a perfectionist mindset, a two-shot lead entering the final two rounds of a major typically places a player in a strong position to secure the trophy, provided they can manage the volatility of links golf.
