Herbert falls agonisingly short of historic 61, takes Open lead

SOUTHPORT, July 17 : Australia's Lucas Herbert came within a five-foot putt of becoming the first golfer to shoot 61 in a men's major on Friday as he took a two-shot lead at the British Open with a brilliant 62 that was matched by Sam Burns at Royal Birkdale.

Only five rounds as low as 62 had ever graced a men's major but two arrived within minutes of each other on a sun-baked course as American Burns made it one of the most remarkable scoring days in Open Championship history.

Herbert, 30, leads on eight-under 132 with overnight leader Jackson Suber and fellow American Cameron Young two shots back and Burns at five under.

Northern Ireland's world number two Rory McIlroy, bidding for his second Open title, ensured he will be around for the weekend with his three-under 67 leaving him seven shots behind.

Reigning champion Scottie Scheffler was three under for the tournament midway through his second round.

Herbert, who began the day on level par before embarking on a birdie blitz, looked dejected as he shook hands with his playing partners on the 18th despite equalling the 62s by Branden Grace at the 2017 Open also at Royal Birkdale, Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele at the 2023 U.S. Open and Schauffele and Shane Lowry at the 2024 PGA Championship.

"It was a lot of fun, those first 12 holes I don't think I've ever played golf that well before," Herbert, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, said.

"There was a great buzz out there and it felt like everyone wanted it to happen. I felt like I kind of let everyone down a bit missing that putt on the last."

With light winds lowering the course's guard, the early groups took full advantage.

Herbert rolled in six birdies to reach the turn in 28 shots - equalling the nine-hole Open record