At Royal Birkdale, Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both achieved a milestone by shooting 62, the lowest score ever recorded in a men’s major championship. Despite sharing this feat, their emotions on the 18th green were worlds apart. Australia’s Herbert missed a five-foot putt for par, resulting in a bogey that cost him a chance to be the first man to card a 61 in a major tournament. He expressed mixed feelings of pride and disappointment following his round.
Conversely, American Sam Burns finished his round by chipping in from a bunker for birdie, triggering a massive celebration from the spectators. While Herbert was aware of the historic potential of his round, Burns admitted he did not realize that 62 was the record score. These performances mark the sixth and seventh times such a score has been achieved in major history, joining previous record holders like Branden Grace, who also shot a 62 at Royal Birkdale in 2017.
Herbert now holds the clubhouse lead at eight under par. Jackson Suber sits at six under, while Burns is at five under, three shots back from Herbert. Despite the frustration of the final hole, Herbert remains optimistic about his standing heading into the weekend, noting his success in maintaining focus throughout his play.
