Sam Burns Posts Historic 62 at Royal Birkdale

From Family Plans to a Record‑Tying Round

Sam Burns arrived at Royal Birkdale with a mindset far different from most major contenders. He had planned to sit out the Open after his second child’s due date, viewing the idea of leaving his family as a heavy mental hurdle.

When his daughter Belle arrived three weeks early, Burns discussed the options with his wife, who he later called a “superhero” for urging him to travel. By the following Friday he was on the course, quickly turning the weekend around.

Burns carded a front‑nine 32, added three birdies on the back stretch, and sealed the round with a bunker‑holeout at the 18th for a 62. The score tied Branden Grace’s 2017 major‑record low and matched Lucas Herbert’s effort that same day.

Why the 62 Caught Everyone Off Guard

Burns had been on a solid roll, posting four consecutive top‑20 finishes and a solo second at the U.S. Open. Yet his Thursday 73 left him far from the lead, and he admits he never checked the leaderboard until an official notified him.

He assumed Herbert would take the top spot after a nine‑under start, thinking the Australian needed a 61 to win. A missed par putt left Herbert tied, and Burns unexpectedly found himself sharing the historic mark without ever knowing it existed.

The low score also became a symbol of his “embrace the chaos” philosophy. Burns, who seldom plays links golf, relies on acceptance when a perfect shot can still roll off the green by a foot.

Impact on the Open Championship Field

Only two players in Open history have ever posted a 62 before Burns—Graham Parry in 1979 and Branden Grace in 2017. The rapid succession of two more 62s in a single week marks the fastest appearance of the feat in major competition.

With the performance propelling him up the world rankings, Burns adds a new milestone while keeping his focus on staying present rather than chasing historic numbers.

The event’s naming continues to stir debate, with purists preferring “Open Championship” while many U.S. fans call it the “British Open.” Golf Digest covers both terms to keep readers informed regardless of search habits.

Key Takeaways for Fans

• Burns’ 62 ties the major‑record low set by Branden Grace in 2017.
• Lucas Herbert also posted a 62, making the third such round in Open history within minutes.
• Personal reasons—early baby arrival and wife’s encouragement—led to an unexpected appearance and performance.
• Burns credits mental acceptance and his “embrace the chaos” mindset for the breakthrough.