Australian golfer Lucas Herbert ended the second round of the British Open on Friday, July 17th, 2026, with a two-shot lead at eight-under par. Herbert, 30, came within five feet of becoming the first golfer to shoot 61 in a men’s major, finishing with a brilliant second-round 62 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. This score matched that of Sam Burns, making it one of the most remarkable scoring days in Open Championship history.

Herbert’s 62 equals the record lowest round at a men’s major, previously achieved by Branden Grace at the 2017 Open at Royal Birkdale, Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele at the 2023 US Open, and Schauffele and Shane Lowry at the 2024 PGA Championship. Herbert, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, described his performance: “It was a lot of fun, those first 12 holes; I don’t think I’ve ever played golf that well before.”

Big-hitting American Bryson DeChambeau finished the round at seven-under after an impressive 66, though he was later hit with a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving his swing area by treading down long grass after finding rough at the fifth hole. DeChambeau was seen discussing the ruling with officials.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, aiming to become the first man since Ireland’s Padraig Harrington in 2008 to retain the Claret Jug, struggled for momentum but carded a second successive 68, placing him in a large pack at four-under. Northern Ireland’s world number two Rory McIlroy, seeking his second Open title, ensured his weekend participation with a three-under 67, leaving him seven shots behind the leader.

Herbert appeared dejected as he shook hands with playing partners on the 18th hole despite his record-tying round.

Sources