History was made at Royal Birkdale today as Australia's Lucas Herbert and American Sam Burns both delivered sensational eight-under-par rounds of 62, equalling the lowest scores ever recorded in men's major championship history. The parallel achievements, however, concluded with contrasting scenes on the 18th green, reflecting their differing paths to the record books.
Lucas Herbert, a self-confessed 'golf nerd', knew the significance of his final hole. After pushing his tee shot right and requiring a penalty-free drop, he ultimately missed a five-foot par putt. The bogey meant he narrowly missed becoming the first man to shoot a 61 in a major, a moment that saw him grimace in disappointment as groans rippled through the gallery. Despite the anticlimax, Herbert's 62 placed him in a strong position, setting the clubhouse lead at eight under par.
Minutes later, Sam Burns provided a moment of pure elation. The American, whose participation in The Open was only confirmed after his wife gave birth early, chipped in from a greenside bunker on the 18th for a dramatic birdie. This spectacular finish also secured him an eight-under-par 62, prompting him to punch the air in triumph amidst a thunderous roar from the crowd. Burns, who later admitted he was unaware of the 62 record, finished the day three shots behind Herbert at five under par, having started his round at three over.
Both Herbert and Burns now join an exclusive club as only the sixth and seventh men to shoot a 62 at a major. Notably, South Africa's Branden Grace also achieved this feat at Royal Birkdale during the 2017 Open Championship. Herbert, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, expressed mixed emotions, telling BBC Radio 5 Live, "I've got a lot of emotions, whether it's relief or pride, or disappointment. But I'm in a great position going into the weekend and got my name in the record books."
The differing perspectives were clear, with Herbert acknowledging he was acutely aware of the historical significance while trying to 'stay present'. Burns, on the other hand, arrived at Birkdale unexpectedly, only deciding to play after his baby daughter, Belle, arrived almost two weeks early on July 14th. This unexpected turn of events paved the way for his remarkable round, adding another layer to his historic achievement.