Lucas Herbert Nearly Made History at The Open

A Record‑tying 62

At Royal Birkdale, the 30‑year‑old Australian surged from even par to a stunning 62, matching the lowest 18‑hole score in men’s major history. The round included a historic front‑nine of 28, the joint‑lowest nine‑hole total ever recorded in a major. Herbert’s front‑nine blitz featured three birdies to start, followed by three more before the turn, tying the marks set by Denis Dumian (1983) and Brad Faxon (1995). Despite the firepower, his bid for a new low fell just short on the final green.

The Closing Stretch

After a 373‑yard drive placed him in a favorable position on the 17th, Herbert’s approach clung to the far side of a ridge and a dune, leaving a 10‑foot birdie putt. He parred the hole, leaving a five‑foot tap‑in on the 18th to seal the 62. A deliberate uphill putt rolled wide, but he still tapped in for the sixth 62 in major‑championship history. The gallery erupted as he stood on the 18th tee, aware that a simple par would have broken the record.

Why It Matters

Herbert, currently ranked 97th in the world, has never broken into the top‑10 at a major, limiting his exposure to the sport’s biggest stages. His LIV affiliation has restricted his major appearances to just four since the start of the 2024 season, with only one cut made. Previous players who posted historic low rounds—Dumian and Faxon—did not go on to claim the title, a reminder that scoring brilliance does not guarantee victory.

What Lies Ahead

Herbert now holds a two‑stroke clubhouse lead, but the tournament is far from over. He joins an elite group of six golfers who have posted a 62 in a men’s major, a feat that includes Branden Grace, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele and Shane Lowry. While the Claret Jug remains out of reach for now, the round has placed Herbert on a stage rarely illuminated for players ranked outside the world’s top 20.