Lucas Herbert Storms Into Open Lead — Matching Historic Major Championship 62

Australian golfer Lucas Herbert mounted a spectacular assault on history at Royal Birkdale on Friday, firing a staggering 8-under-par 62 to match the lowest round ever recorded in a men's major championship. The 30-year-old LIV Golf star looked poised to claim the scoring record entirely for himself until a heartbreaking five-foot par putt rimmed out on the 18th green, forcing him to settle for a share of the historic milestone.

What We Know So Far

Lucas Herbert began his second round in Southport, England, under an early mild breeze and instantly caught fire. He tied the all-time Open Championship nine-hole record by scorching the front nine in just 28 strokes, matching Denis Durnian's 1983 feat at Royal Birkdale. Herbert poured in birdies on his first three holes, drove the edge of the par-4 fifth green for an easy four, sank a 35-footer on the seventh, and then holed out from 25 feet off the green at the ninth.

The onslaught continued into the back nine as the Australian reached 9-under for the day through 16 holes, including a crisp seven-foot conversion at the 16th. Needing only a par-par finish on his final two holes to card an unprecedented 61, the physical reality of links golf intervened. On the par-5 17th, Herbert smashed the longest drive of the day but hoicked his second shot far left onto a sandy path near spectator fences. He managed an exceptional recovery to secure a par but found trouble again on the 18th closer. After cutting his drive right, his approach stopped 30 feet short of the green, leading to the agonizing three-putt bogey that halted his solo record run.

By signing for his 62, Herbert tied the major championship single-round standard alongside Branden Grace (who set the mark at Royal Birkdale in 2017), Rickie Fowler, and Xander Schauffele. He completed 36 holes at 8-under par, taking a two-stroke clubhouse advantage over overnight leader Jackson Suber. Suber, a 26-year-old American debutant who had never set foot in Europe or played links golf prior to this week, displayed resilience by recovering from three straight front-nine bogeys to turn in a steady 1-under 69, securing solo second place at 6-under par.

What People Are Saying

While Herbert bypassed the mixed zone immediately after walking off, his peers and course insiders marveled at the torrid stretch of scoring. Local caddie Billy Foster, walking the putting green, remarked on the Australian's notorious ability to maximize hot streaks, noting his previous success on the LIV circuit where he opened with rounds of 64 and 63 to win in Virginia earlier this summer.

Meanwhile, American journeyman Eric Cole, who dramatically climbed 97 spots on the leaderboard by carding a spectacular 6-under 64, reflected on how quickly fortunes can shift at Royal Birkdale after enduring a double-bogey the previous day. First-round leader Jackson Suber remained enamored with his surreal week overseas, expressing awe at the course layout and the local environment, saying:

The golf is really cool, and just the towns, how the train system works.

How This Affects You

For golf fans across the United States, Herbert's historic surge completely upends the competitive narrative of the final men's major of 2026. The performance shifts immense pressure onto American heavyweights who entered the week as clear favorites. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remains firmly in contention at 2-under par, while defending U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau sits well within striking distance after carding a strong opening-round 67.

Conversely, several massive names face an uphill battle just to survive the tournament's 36-hole cut line, which trims the 156-man field down to the top 70 players and ties. High-profile stars like Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick have experienced severe putting woes on the tricky Birkdale greens, leaving them hovering precariously around the projected cut. For viewers tuning in via NBC, USA Network, or streaming on Peacock, the weekend rounds promise high-stakes drama as the field chases an enhanced record $3.2 million winner's payout from the total $17.75 million purse.

Coming Up

The remaining afternoon wave must navigate an increasingly difficult Royal Birkdale, where wind speeds have picked up from the northwest at 10 mph with gusts reaching up to 23 mph. Marquee groupings, including the afternoon trio of Scottie Scheffler, Tyrrell Hatton, and Bryson DeChambeau, will look to handle these swirling conditions as they attempt to chase down Herbert's clubhouse target. Official pairing data and exact tee times for Saturday's third round will be formalized by tournament officials once the entire field completes their second round on Friday evening.

At a Glance

• Lucas Herbert fired an 8-under 62 to match the lowest round in men's major championship history.
• The Australian tied the front-nine Open record with an astonishing score of 28 at Royal Birkdale.
• A missed five-foot par putt on the 18th hole cost Herbert the outright all-time major record of 61.
• First-round leader Jackson Suber shot a 1-under 69 to hold solo second place at 6-under par.
• The tournament field will be trimmed to the top 70 players and ties following the conclusion of Friday's play.

FAQ

What is the lowest round ever recorded in a men's golf major?

The lowest round in men's major championship history is a 62. It was first achieved by Branden Grace at the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, and has since been matched by Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, and now Lucas Herbert in 2026.

Who is leading the 2026 Open Championship after the early Friday wave?

Lucas Herbert of Australia leads the tournament in the clubhouse at 8-under par, holding a two-stroke advantage over American Jackson Suber, who sits at 6-under par.

What went wrong on Lucas Herbert's final hole?

Herbert hit his drive into the right rough and left his approach shot 30 feet short of the green. He putted up to five feet but pulled his par putt to the left, resulting in a closing bogey that kept him from shooting a 61.

Where can American viewers watch the remaining tournament coverage?

The 2026 Open Championship is broadcast nationally across the USA Network and NBC. Live streaming coverage is accessible throughout the weekend via Peacock and Fubo.