Open Championship Sets Round 3 Tee Times for 78 Players as Lucas Herbert Leads at Royal Birkdale

Q: After a record-breaking round, can surprise leader Lucas Herbert fend off golf's biggest names?

Yes, but the odds are against him unless he repeats something close to Friday’s level. Herbert leads the Open at 8-under after a stunning 62 at Royal Birkdale, tying the lowest 18-hole score in men’s major history and matching a nine-hole major record with a front-nine 28. That gives him a real chance, especially on a firm, strategic course where precise iron play and confident putting matter. His recent form is not empty either: he has seven professional wins and a LIV title earlier this year. The problem is what comes next. Herbert is ranked 97th in the world and has a modest major record, with no finish better than tied 13th in a major and only one made cut in the four majors he had played since the start of 2024. History is not especially encouraging either: players who shoot 62 in majors rarely go on to win. Only Xander Schauffele at the 2024 PGA converted that kind of round into a title. The chase group is strong and experienced. Sam Burns also shot 62 and is within striking distance. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 and defending champion, is only a few shots back. Rory McIlroy recovered to make the weekend, and former Open champion Collin Morikawa remains well placed. Royal Birkdale’s closing stretch, especially in firm conditions and possible wind, is built to expose any lapse. Herbert can win, but he is no clear favorite. His lead is real; the pressure from proven major contenders is even more real.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Jul 18

Round 3 at Royal Birkdale starts at 4:10 a.m. EDT with 78 players after the cut, and leader Lucas Herbert goes out last at 10:50 a.m. with Jackson Suber.
The final groups reflect a volatile leaderboard after Sam Burns' 62 and Bryson DeChambeau's two-shot penalty, with DeChambeau and Burns paired at 10:30 a.m.
Featured pairings begin on Peacock at 5:18 a.m. EDT and include Rickie Fowler-Max Homa, Xander Schauffele-Ryan Fox, Tommy Fleetwood-Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler-Francesco Molinari.
TV coverage runs from 5-7 a.m. on USA Network, then 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on NBC and Peacock as the championship heads into its weekend stretch.