Australian golfer Lucas Herbert tied a major championship record with an 8-under 62 at the 2026 Open Championship, becoming the sixth man to achieve the feat while delivering a front-nine 28 that matched an Open record.
Herbert’s Historic Front Nine
Lucas Herbert’s front nine at Royal Birkdale on Friday was nothing short of historic. The 30-year-old Australian carded a 28, tying the lowest nine-hole score ever recorded at a tournament that began playing in 1860, a mark set by Denis Durnian in 1983. Herbert’s blistering start included three consecutive birdies, with his putting on the par-3 seventh and ninth holes showcasing precision that left observers in awe. Herbert’s 28 matched Durnian’s score, which came on the same course and hole setup.
Herbert’s round wasn’t just about the front nine. He extended his lead with a 62 in the second round, a score that now places him among elite company. Branden Grace was the first to shoot 62 in a major at Royal Birkdale in 2017, and others have since joined that list. ESPN highlighted that Herbert’s 62 was the sixth instance of such a score in major championships, underscoring the rarity of his achievement.
Suber’s Unexpected Leadership
While Herbert stole the spotlight, Jackson Suber’s performance added an element of unpredictability. The American, making his Open debut, showed resilience after a rocky start. Suber carded a 1-under 69, finishing at 6 under through 36 holes. AP News reported that Suber’s round included three consecutive bogeys but ended with a pair of birdies to stay within striking distance of Herbert.
Suber’s journey to the leaderboards was unconventional. Having never played links golf before his practice round at Royal Birkdale, he relied on adaptability. USA Today noted that Suber’s 65 in the first round gave him a one-shot lead, a result that surprised even seasoned observers. His ability to recover from early struggles highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Open, where course conditions and strategy can shift rapidly.
The Road to 62: A Tale of Precision and Perseverance
Herbert’s 62 was not without its challenges. On the par-5 17th, he pulled his approach into the rough, requiring a chip and two-putt to save par. Later, on the 18th, a missed five-foot putt for birdie cost him a chance at a 61. ESPN emphasized that these moments tested Herbert’s composure.
The path to 62 has been paved by others before him. Branden Grace’s 2017 score remains a benchmark, while Xander Schauffele and Rickie Fowler both achieved 62 at the 2023 U.S. Open. AP News noted that the trend of low scores reflects evolving golfing techniques and equipment, though Herbert’s performance at Royal Birkdale stands out for its consistency and adaptability.
Cut Day and the Battle for the Weekend
With the cut line looming, the second round also served as a crucial test for contenders. The field was trimmed to the top 70 (and ties), with players like Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth and Matt Fitzpatrick facing pressure. USA Today reported that McIlroy, despite a 2-under round, remained 7 shots off the lead, while Patrick Reed surged into contention with a 4-under performance.
Sam Burns also made his mark, matching Herbert’s 62. USA Today highlighted Burns’ recovery from a bunker on the 18th, a moment that encapsulated the fine margins of professional golf. As the tournament progresses, the competition will hinge on who can maintain the form that defined the second round.
What’s Next for Herbert and the Open?
Herbert’s performance has positioned him as a contender for the title, but the Open is known for its unpredictability. The final two rounds at Royal Birkdale will test not just his skill but his ability to handle pressure.
For Suber and other contenders, the challenge is clear: match Herbert’s intensity while navigating the course’s nuances. As the tournament enters its final stages, the Open’s storied history of dramatic finishes looms large. Whether Herbert can extend his lead or if another player will rise to challenge him remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the 2026 Open Championship has already delivered unforgettable moments.
