Herbert Takes 2‑shot Lead After Record‑tying 62 At The Open

Record‑tying performance puts Herbert in command

Lucas Herbert posted a stunning 62 to tie the major‑championship single‑round record and now holds a two‑shot cushion heading into the weekend at Royal Birkdale. The Australian’s front‑nine score of 28 matched the historic 62 mark, establishing him as the co‑holder of the lowest round in major history. His 8‑under‑par 132 after two rounds leaves him poised for a possible victory.

Herbert’s pursuit of an even lower score was thwarted by a short par putt on the 18th that just missed the cup. The 30‑year‑old later reflected that his optimism often leads him to envision such feats even before the round begins. His confidence and precision have already made him a top contender for the title.

Penalty drama reshapes the leaderboard for DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau entered Saturday’s final group one stroke behind Herbert but was docked two strokes after a rules review. Officials determined he improved his lie by stomping down tall grass at the fifth hole, a violation that dropped him from 7 under to 5 under. The penalty was applied more than an hour after his round concluded, altering the race for the lead.

Despite finishing the day with a 68, DeChambeau’s penalty left him trailing the leader by a larger margin than initially expected. The incident underscores the R&A’s strict enforcement of equipment and lie rules during major competitions.

Other players clustering around the summit

Sam Burns matched the 62 feat, cruising to 5 under and joining Herbert in the elite group. South Korea’s Si Woo Kim also posted a 67, leaving three players tied at 5 under. The influx of low scores has compressed the field, making the cut line a critical factor for many participants.

Notable names such as world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (68), hometown favorite Tommy Fleetwood (67) and Spaniard Jon Rahm (67) remain within striking distance of the leaders. Their performances suggest the weekend could produce significant movement up the leaderboard.

Weekend contenders and the cut line

The projected cut is set at 1 over par, with several high‑profile golfers missing the weekend. Former Open champion Cameron Smith, PGA winner Aaron Rai, U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and others posted scores well above the limit. Their early round struggles have already eliminated them from the final two days.

Rahm faced an official warning after tossing a club at the 15th, a breach that could invite a two‑stroke penalty if repeated. The incident adds a nervous element to his tournament, highlighting the fine line between passion and discipline on the course.