Lucas Herbert’s second-round performance at the 154th Open Championship was nothing short of breathtaking — and nerve-wracking. The Australian fired an 8-under 62 at Royal Birkdale, matching the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major. Yet, the story isn’t just about a record-tying score. It’s about how, on the 18th hole, Herbert’s drive sliced sharply into a native area beneath a security railing, forcing an unusual relief situation that threatened to derail his historic round. That moment of tension, followed by a missed par putt, kept the perfect round just out of reach. This wasn’t just a masterclass in scoring; it was a test of resilience and composure under pressure.
Herbert’s 62: A Rare Feat in Major Championship History
Herbert’s 62 places him among an exclusive group of golfers who have achieved the magic 62 in major championship play. Before him, only five others had reached that mark, including Xander Schauffele and Shane Lowry, who posted 62s at the 2024 PGA Championship. South Africa’s Branden Grace first blazed the trail with a 62 during the 2017 Open Championship, also at Royal Birkdale. Shooting 62 at a major is no small feat. It demands near-flawless ball striking, precise course management, and nerves of steel — all of which Herbert displayed, despite the late-round drama.
The 18th Hole Drama: Relief, a Tough Up-and-Down, and a Missed Par
Herbert entered the 18th at 9 under par, looking poised to set the clubhouse on fire with a flawless round. But then his drive sliced badly to the right, landing in the native area beneath a security railing. According to the rules, he was entitled to relief, which he took. From 173 yards out, his approach stopped about 15 feet below the green, forcing him to execute a challenging up-and-down to preserve the historic score. Herbert’s chip putted to within five feet but then missed the crucial par putt, resulting in his only bogey of the round. That near-disaster transformed a potentially perfect score into a remarkable yet slightly flawed masterpiece.
Front Nine Fury and a Record-Tying Nine-Hole Score
Herbert’s round began with a bang. Birdies on each of the first three holes set the tone, and additional gains at holes 5, 7, and 9 sent him to the turn at 6-under 28. This matched the record for the lowest nine-hole score in Open Championship history. His ability to maintain momentum through the front nine, especially in fast, dry, and windless conditions, was key to building a cushion that would help him weather the final-hole challenge.
Back Nine Birdies and Maintaining the Lead
Continuing his assault, Herbert racked up back-to-back birdies on holes 11 and 12, reaching 8 under. Despite a bit of trouble on the par-5 17th when his approach found another native area, he managed a deft chip to save par. A birdie on the 16th brought him back to 9 under before the sobering 18th hole drama. After 36 holes, Herbert holds a two-shot lead over Jackson Suber, who sits at 6 under after a solid 1-under 69. This positions Herbert as a serious contender for the Open title.
From DP World Tour Success to LIV Golf and The Open Spotlight
Herbert, ranked 97th in the world, comes into this major with a solid résumé. He boasts three DP World Tour victories, including the 2021 Butterfield Bermuda Championship. More recently, he claimed a wire-to-wire win in the LIV Golf event at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia, on May 10. A member of the LIV Golf League’s all-Australian Ripper GC team, Herbert’s presence in this major brings added intrigue amid the evolving landscape of professional golf.
His 62 at the Open Championship is more than just a number—it’s a statement that he’s ready to compete at the highest level on golf’s biggest stages, regardless of affiliation.
Why Herbert’s 62 Matters Now
Herbert’s round is a showcase of how grit and skill combine in major championship golf. The near-miss on the 18th hole highlights how thin the margin is between history and heartbreak. It also underscores the complexity of rules and course features that can challenge even the best players. Understanding relief situations, native areas, and tricky up-and-downs adds depth to how fans appreciate scoring feats like Herbert’s.
Moreover, Herbert’s lead after 36 holes at Royal Birkdale sets up a compelling narrative for the weekend. Will he shake off the late-round scare and hold on to claim his first major? Or will the pressure of leading with a record-tying round weigh on him? That tension is what makes following his progress through the weekend so compelling.
What to Watch Next
As Herbert heads into the weekend with a two-shot advantage, all eyes will be on how he handles the pressure. The third round at Royal Birkdale will test his resilience, especially after the close call on the 18th. Meanwhile, chasing players like Jackson Suber will be looking to close the gap and seize momentum. The evolving leaderboard at this Open Championship promises drama, and Herbert’s ability to maintain his form and composure could define his career trajectory.
Tracking Herbert’s performance in the next rounds will reveal whether this 62 is the start of a major breakthrough or simply a brilliant flash in the pan.
All The Golf reported these developments, bringing fans the latest from the historic links course.
Search Context: Lucas Herbert’s 62 at the Open Championship 2024 is a rare and remarkable achievement, tying the major record for lowest round. What this means is that Herbert is firmly in contention for a major title, and his near-miss on the final hole shows how even small moments can have big impacts in golf. Understanding the relief rules and course challenges helps explain why this round is both historic and human. For a broader view, explore our coverage of golf majors coverage and results.
Source: All The Golf reported
All facts and quotes are credited to their originating outlets. Learn more about our sourcing policy.