Herbert falls short of historic 61, DeChambeau hit with penalty at British Open

SOUTHPORT, England, 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 second-round 62 that was matched by Sam Burns at Royal Birkdale.

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

Herbert, 30, leads on eight-under and would have gone out on Saturday with big-hitting American Bryson DeChambeau who finished on seven under after an impressive 66.

But there was late drama as the twice U.S. Open champion was hit with a two-shot penalty by the R&A after being adjudged to have inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing by treading down long grass after finding rough at the fifth.

DeChambeau was seen in animated discussion with rules officials as he was driven back in a buggy to the scene of the incident where his ball had ended up in long grass.

Later he emerged from a cabin and headed to the range without speaking to reporters other than to ask "Are you guys having a great night?".

AMERICAN CHARGE

Three Americans, first-round leader Jackson Suber, Cameron Young and Ryan Gerard, were the closest challengers to Herbert on six under. Their compatriot Burns was a further stroke back alongside South Korean Kim Si-woo and DeChambeau.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, attempting to become the first man since Ireland's Padraig Harrington in 2008 to retain the Claret Jug, struggled for momentum but a second successive 68 left him lurking in a large pack on four under.

Northern Ireland's world number two Rory