Updated

Updated · PGA TOUR · Jul 17

Herbert, Burns Match Major-Record 62s as DeChambeau Loses 2 Shots at British Open

Updated

Updated · PGA TOUR · Jul 17

Herbert, Burns Match Major-Record 62s as DeChambeau Loses 2 Shots at British Open

Q: Can underdog Lucas Herbert convert his historic round into a career-defining victory?

Yes — Herbert has given himself a real chance, but converting it into a win will still require two more elite rounds under major pressure. The evidence in his favor is strong. His 62 at Royal Birkdale matched the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major, and he did it on a course with deep Open history. He also tied the Open’s nine-hole record with a 28 on the front side and moved to 8-under, two shots clear after 36 holes. In a championship where position matters, that is a significant advantage. He also arrives with some recent proof he can finish. Herbert won LIV Golf Virginia this season, showing he can protect a lead and handle late pressure. That matters because his profile in majors has been modest: he is ranked No. 97, has limited Open success, and missed the cut at the recent U.S. Open. This is still unfamiliar territory compared with proven contenders. The biggest question is sustainability. Friday’s scoring came in unusually calm, fast, dry conditions, and Royal Birkdale is expected to become a sterner test over the weekend. Herbert’s bogey at the 18th after reaching 9-under in the round was also a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift on links golf’s toughest holes. He is well placed, but far from safe. With Sam Burns, Cameron Young, Sungjae Im and others close behind — and with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy still around — Herbert has turned himself from underdog into legitimate contender. Now he must prove he can do it when the pressure is highest.

3 articles · Updated · PGA TOUR · Jul 17

Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns each fired 8-under 62 at Royal Birkdale within 22 minutes, with Herbert reaching 8-under 132 for his first 36-hole lead in a major.
Burns closed with three straight birdies — including a bunker hole-out at 18 — while Herbert missed a 5-foot par putt on the last that would have given him a 61.
Bryson DeChambeau’s 4-under 66 was changed to 68 after officials ruled he improved his swing path in high grass on the fifth hole, dropping him from one back to three behind.
Scottie Scheffler stayed four shots off the lead after a 68, and 16 players were separated by four shots heading into the weekend.
The cut fell at 1-over 141, knocking out Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose as the Open set up a crowded final 36 holes.