Australian golfer Lucas Herbert shot a record-equalling eight-under-par 62 during the second round of the Open Championship [1].
This performance marks one of the lowest scores ever recorded in a men's major championship, placing Herbert in an elite group of golfers who have mastered the game's most difficult tests [2].
The round took place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England [2, 4]. Herbert maintained a dominant pace throughout the day, reaching nine under par through 17 holes [3]. At that stage, he was on the verge of shooting a 61, which would have set a new all-time scoring record for a men's major.
However, a bogey on the 18th hole prevented the historic achievement, bringing his final score for the day to 62 [1]. The result left the golfer with a complex set of feelings regarding his performance.
"I felt a whirlwind of emotions," Herbert said [1].
While the bogey cost him the absolute record, the round remains a landmark achievement in professional golf. Herbert reflected on the quality of his play despite the late stumble.
"I'm disappointed but proud," Herbert said [2].
He further described the performance as one of the finest rounds in major championship history [3]. The 62 matches the lowest round ever recorded in a men's major, ensuring his name remains in the history books regardless of the final single stroke [2].
“"I felt a whirlwind of emotions."”
Herbert's performance highlights the volatile nature of major championship golf, where a single mistake on the final hole can be the difference between equalling a record and shattering it. By matching the lowest score in men's major history, Herbert has established himself as a primary contender in the tournament and demonstrated a level of precision rarely seen at Royal Birkdale.
