Australian golfer Herbert finished the second round of the British Open with a two-stroke lead at 8 under par.
Published July 17, 2026
Australia’s Lucas Herbert took a two-stroke lead with Sam Burns’ second-round 62 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club at the British Open and came within a five-foot putt of becoming the first golfer to shoot a 61 in a men’s major.
The 30-year-old Herbert finished Friday with an eight-under lead and was supposed to face big-hitting American Bryson DeChambeau, who shot a 66 to finish on seven under par on Saturday.
Only five rounds of 62 had been completed in the men’s major so far, but Herbert and American Burns completed two rounds within minutes on the sunlit course, marking one of the most remarkable scoring days in Open Championship history.
However, there was late drama when the two-time US Open champion was assessed a two-stroke penalty by the R&A after finding the rough on No. 5 and being judged to have unintentionally improved the area of his intended swing by stepping on long grass.
DeChambeau was seen having a lively discussion with rules officials as he was taken in a buggy back to the scene of the incident, where the ball landed in the long grass.
He then came out of the cabin and simply asked reporters, “Are you having a good night?” and headed to the shooting range without speaking.
Three Americans, first-round leader Jackson Suber, Cameron Young and Ryan Gerrard, were Herbert’s closest challengers at 6 under.
His compatriot Burns fell one stroke behind South Korea’s Kim Si-woo and DeChambeau. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, trying to become the first man to hold the Claret Jug since Ireland’s Padraig Harrington in 2008, struggled for momentum but was buried in a large group at four under with a 68 for the second year in a row.
Northern Ireland’s world number two Rory McIlroy, aiming for his second British Open title, ensured he survived the weekend with a three-under 67 and a seven-shot lead.
Even though Branden Grace at the 2017 Royal Birkdale Open, Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele at the 2023 U.S. Open, and Schauffele and Shane Lowry at the 2024 PGA Championship tied for 62-second times, Herbert looked disappointed as he shook hands with his playing partners on the 18th.
“The first 12 holes were so much fun. I don’t think I’ve ever played golf this well,” said Herbert, who plays on the LIV golf circuit.
“There was a big buzz there and I felt like everyone wanted it to happen. I felt like I let everyone down a little bit by missing that last putt.”
