In one of the most dramatic bursts of scoring seen in a major championship, Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both fired sensational second-round 62s at The Open, producing a moment that will feature prominently across breaking news ireland coverage and global golf headlines. The pair matched the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major, turning Royal Birkdale into the scene of a remarkable day that has quickly become part of the wider conversation in irish breaking news and international sport.
Herbert’s round looked set to become a record on its own when he stormed through the opening stretch with a breathtaking birdie run. But a bogey at the final hole denied the Australian sole possession of major-championship history, leaving him tied with Burns on 62 and carrying what he described as conflicting emotions.
Historic scoring lights up The Open
For long stretches, Herbert appeared unstoppable. He raced to eight under through 12 holes and, by his own assessment, could even have been lower. His front-running charge included a sequence of nine birdies that briefly suggested a new all-time men’s major mark was within reach.
Instead, he finished with a 62, still enough to place himself among an elite group of players who have reached that number on one of golf’s biggest stages. In terms of latest news ireland readers are following, few sporting stories have matched the pace and drama of this one.
- Lucas Herbert shot 62 in the second round
- Sam Burns also carded 62 shortly afterwards
- Both equalled the lowest score in a men’s major
- Herbert moved into the lead on eight under par
Herbert left with pride and frustration
Despite taking the tournament lead, Herbert admitted the finish left him with mixed feelings. Missing the chance to stand alone with a new record stung, particularly after such a commanding display for most of the round. Still, the Australian made clear he was proud to join one of the most exclusive lists in modern golf.
His comments reflected the fine margins that define major championships. One hole separated outright history from a share of it, but Herbert also recognised the quality of the golf he produced, especially across the opening 12 holes, which he suggested may rank among the best stretch of his career.
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Sam Burns delivers one of the stories of the day
If Herbert’s round was extraordinary, Burns’ path to 62 was every bit as compelling. The American started the day outside the projected cut on three over par, only to surge back into contention with a flawless charge that ended in style. His closing flourish was unforgettable, holing out from a greenside bunker at the 18th for his sixth birdie on the back nine.
That finish capped one of the biggest turnarounds of the championship so far. Burns moved from the brink of an early exit to within striking distance of the lead, underlining why this round has become one of the standout items in ireland headlines for sports fans following The Open.
A last-minute trip that paid off
Burns revealed after the round that he had not expected to be in the field at all until very late. Following the early birth of his second child, Belle, just two weeks ago, he thought playing was highly unlikely. He ultimately travelled after encouragement from his wife, and that decision produced one of the most memorable rounds of the championship.
His performance added an emotional edge to the day and turned a personal balancing act into a major sporting statement. It is the kind of storyline that resonates well beyond golf and will likely remain part of ireland current affairs style sports discussion over the weekend.
Why this Open moment matters
The feat was notable not only because two players matched the men’s major scoring record, but because they did so within a short window of each other and from nearby groups. That echoes a similar rarity from the 2023 US Open, when two players also posted record-equalling rounds on the same day.
It also adds another chapter to Royal Birkdale’s history as a venue capable of producing landmark scoring moments. Branden Grace famously posted the first men’s major 62 at this course in 2017, and Herbert has now added his name to that legacy, even if the final-hole bogey left him wanting more.
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FAQ: What happened at Royal Birkdale?
Who shot 62 at The Open?
Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both shot 62 in the second round at Royal Birkdale.
Was it a major record?
Yes. Their rounds equalled the lowest score ever recorded in a men’s major championship.
Who leads after the second round?
Herbert moved into the lead on eight under par after his round.
Why was Burns’ round especially notable?
He began the day outside the cut line and had only recently decided to travel following the birth of his daughter.
This unforgettable day at Royal Birkdale delivered the kind of drama fans expect from elite sport, and it has already become a major talking point in breaking news ireland coverage. For anyone tracking the biggest moments in golf and the wider sports cycle, this was a reminder that history can be made in a matter of minutes.
