The Open Leaderboard And Projected Cut Watch: Lucas Herbert And Sam Burns Shoot Historic 62s

RORY MCILROY ON 18...

The World No.2 misses the green left on 18 from just 160 yards to leave a tricky pitch shot over a bunker.

It's a gorgeous chip that settles just a few feet beyond the pin and that'll be a par for a three-under-par 67. Good day's work.

CAM YOUNG UP TO SIX-UNDER

The World No.3 goes 67-67 to put himself right in the mix for a maiden Major title this weekend.

Young was 2nd at the 150th Open four years ago and played in the final group of the 2026 Masters so he'll feel very comfortable on Saturday.

ADAM SCOTT ON LUCAS HERBERT:

"He's got a lot of game. He's a big, strong guy. This is a pretty out there comment because I don't know his game inside and out, but I would fancy him around a links. I see him playing shots.

"So when he's on, I feel like the links kind of would really suit him because he can be creative and get more reward for it on the links rather than some other tracks.

"I think he grew up down in Melbourne, as well, on some firm and fast conditions. I'd say he's probably got a pretty high level of comfort for it."

WHO HAS SHOT 62 IN MEN'S MAJORS?

Today is the third day in the history of men's Major golf where there have been multiple 62s. There have now been sevens 62s, shot across four different days.

The last time that happened was three years ago at the 2023 US Open at LACC, where Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele shot the score.

• Branden Grace: 2017 Open, Royal Birkdale, 3rd Round
• Rickie Fowler: 2023 US Open, Los Angeles Country Club, 1st Round
• Xander Schauffele: 2023 US Open, Los Angeles Country Club, 1st Round
• Xander Schauffele: 2024 PGA Championship, Valhalla, 1st Round
• Shane Lowry: 2024 PGA Championship, Valhalla, 1st Round
• Lucas Herbert: 2026 Open, Royal Birkdale, 2nd Round
• Sam Burns: 2026 Open, Royal Birkdale, 2nd Round

MCILROY PARS 17

The World No.2 misses a 15ft birdie putt on 17 and will head to the 18th tee at one-under.

If he can make a 3 and reach two-under, he is well in this still.

CUT IS CURRENTLY AT LEVEL PAR

The cut has moved to level par but it will surely move back this afternoon as the course continues to firm up. The afternoon starters definitely have tougher conditions vs the morning wave.

SCHEFFLER UP NEXT

The World No.1 is next on the 1st tee alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton.

LOWRY BIRDIES 18

The Irishman cuts a very happy figure after a birdie on 18 to shoot 68 for a three-under-par total.

ANOTHER HISTORIC 62 FROM SAM BURNS

GOTTERUP STAYS TWO-UNDER

He's playing some excellent golf and, on Friday, Chris Gotterup fires a two-under 68 to finish his day two-under.

He is just outside the top 20 and will safely make it through to the weekend.

SAM BURNS SHOOTS A 62

The American holes it from the bunker at the 18th and ties Herbert's eight-under round of 62!

He goes from three-over-par to five-under, with Burns currently in a share of third.

MCILROY UPDATE

Rory McIlroy has been excellent today, carding four birdies and one bogey through 15 holes.

It means he has jumped from +2 to -1 and can now start to forget about the cut and think about making his way into contention.

WHY HERBERT AVOIDED A RULES PENALTY AFTER RANGEFINDER CONFUSION...

Confusion arose on Friday, as Herbert's caddie was seen using a rangefinder during The Open Championship, but all was cleared up just moments later.

Read more: Why Lucas Herbert Avoided A Rules Penalty At The Open Championship After Rangefinder Moment

HERBERT'S MISS ON 18 FOR A 61...

MATT FITZPATRICK IN REAL DANGER OF MISSING CUT

The World No.3 was among the tournament favorites this week but he is +2 for the day and +4 for the tournament with just three holes remaining. Unless he finishes spectacularly, he will be one of the big names heading home early.

WHAT A ROUND

HERBERT FOR HISTORY

Lucas Herbert steps up for par on 18...and he pulls it left. Ouch.

The lowest round in men's Major history remains 62.

HERBERT FOR BIRDIE

The Australian putts it from the fairway from some 70ft and it comes up around 5ft short.

He'll have that putt to shoot 61.

HERBERT'S SECOND SHOT INTO 18

Remember he needs a par to shoot 61, the lowest ever round shot in a men's Major...

Herbert has an okay lie in the dry, wispy rough and from 173 yards he pulls out a 9-iron. It's straight at the flag but comes up just short of the green.

Up and down for history.

BRILLIANT FROM POTGIETER

The South African only got into the field via Louis Oosthuizen's withdrawal on Monday, and he will be here for the weekend after an eagle-par finish to post +1 for his opening two rounds.

HERBERT IN TROUBLE ON 18

The Australian pulls driver out and hits a slice up the right rough. Not in too much danger but certainly not ideal.

LUCAS HERBERT CHASES HISTORY

The Australian's birdie effort slides by the left side on 17, meaning he will head to the 18th tee at nine-under-par for the day.

A par to finish and he'll shoot a 61, the lowest round in men's Major history.

HERBERT ON FIRE

Lucas Herbert has just hit a wonderful pitch shot from the dirt, left of the 17th green, and he has 10ft for his tenth birdie of the day!

HELLO AND WELCOME

Welcome to Golf Monthly's second round coverage of the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale.

Today could be an historic one with Lucas Herbert currently nine-under-par for his round. A par-par finish will set the lowest score ever recorded in a Major.