Australian golfer Lucas Herbert stunned the field at the British Open on Friday, July 17th, 2026, by equalling the lowest-ever men's major round with a stunning 62 at Royal Birkdale. The 30-year-old Victorian birdied six of his opening nine holes in the second round, including birdies on the first three holes, to turn in a six-under-par 28 on the front nine. This performance tied Englishman Denis Durnian's 1983 record for the lowest nine-hole score in Open history, also set at Birkdale.

Herbert began the day at even par and finished at eight-under overall, holding a two-stroke lead over first-round leader Jackson Suber of the United States, along with fellow Americans Ryan Gerard and Cameron Young. American Sam Burns also shot a 62 and sits in third position at five-under-par, three shots behind Herbert. Herbert and Burns join a select group of players, including Brendan Grace, Rickie Fowler, Shane Lowry, and Xander Schauffele (twice), who have scored 62 in a major.

Herbert had a chance to post a 61 but bogeyed the par-4 18th hole, finishing his round with an even-par 70 on Thursday.

Reflecting on his performance and the pressures of competition, Herbert said, "There's plenty of anxiety and whatnot with the position that I'm in, and what comes with it, but I didn't enter this tournament to not experience those feelings." He also shared that he had walked away from golf three years ago due to mental exhaustion and concerns about how the sport was affecting his well-being.

Herbert added, "I think everyone gets anxious. It's just about dealing with it. If any player gets up here and says they're not, they're lying."

Australia's Lucas Herbert acknowledges crowd after shooting a stunning 62 at Royal Birkdale.
Photo: Reuters/Phil Noble

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