Herbert stuns with record-equalling round to take lead

Updated July 17, 2026 — 23:47,

South port: Lucas Herbert stunned the golf world by recording the equal-lowest round in the men’s major, but missed a short putt on the final hole that would have resulted in his best score in history.

The Australian had a phenomenal day at the British Open on Friday; He recorded eight birdies in 12 holes and nine birdies in 16 holes, shooting eight players under 62 to take the clear lead and enter contention for the Claret Red Jug.

Australian golfer Lucas Herbert. Getty Images

When Herbert finished his round, he had a two-stroke advantage over American Jackson Suber with six under.

The 30-year-old player, who plays for the Australian team Ripper GC on the LIV Golf circuit, made a big difference in the field by passing 28 shots through the nine holes he opened at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

After starting the day on even pace with Australians Min Woo Lee and Cameron John, five shots behind, Herbert’s six-under par on the opening nine holes included six birdies; These included a brilliant 11-foot double-break putt at the par-three 7th.

He hit every green in regulation until the par-4 fourth, where he drained one shot of the green to remain the clear leader ahead of American Jackson Suber.

Herbert’s first nine of 28 strokes tied the record at the British Open; It was on par with Denis Durnian’s effort on the front nine at the same course in 1983.

His excellent form continued after the return; Herbert made birdies on the 11th and 12th holes to take a two-shot lead.

Another birdie on the 16th hole took Herbert to nine under with two holes remaining, meaning he would shoot a record 61 if he could make par on the final two holes. Branden Grace, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele (twice) and Shane Lowry are the only men to shoot 62 in the major.

Herbert hit a nice drive on the par-5 17th and an errant second shot saw him head out of the green on a bad lie. However, a spectacular chip in front of a huge crowd gathered to watch gave Herbert a good birdie chance, but the putt missed.

On the par-4 18th, Herbert went right with his tee shot and was awarded a free throw due to the ball being under the steel fence. His second shot fell short of the green, leaving him a little less than a meter from the hole.

Herbert, who entered the record books with a par shot in the 61st round, missed the left jab. It was a shot he had been waiting to make, and it was an unexpected end to one of the most memorable rounds in golf history.

The Victorian has competed at the British Open five times since 2018, with a best result of 15th in 2022 when Australian teammate Cam Smith won the title. This was Herbert’s best finish in a major.

Although there was plenty of golf to be played (rounds will be played on Saturday and Sunday), Herbert’s remarkable second round was the talk of the tournament.

Smith, who shot a one-under 69 on Friday to sit one better, became the only Australian to win the British Open since Ian Baker-Finch in 1991.

“Obviously I’m watching the scoreboard, but this is some pretty good golf,” Smith said at the 12-hole mark of Herbert’s round.

“It’s pretty incredible. I hope he continues on the back nine. He’s so confident right now that once he gets the irons going it’s pretty cool to watch.”