What Is The Lowest Round In Men's Major Championship History?

Golf's Major championships are held in the highest regard, so there is no better time to find form and burn up one of the game's iconic layouts.

However, despite the fact there have been several sub-60 scores posted at regular tour stops, the benchmark in the men's four marquee events had appeared destined to remain stuck at 63. 

Numerous chances came and went since Johnny Miller first set the record in the final round of the 1973 US Open at Oakmont, as he came from six behind to beat the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino to the title.

Phil Mickelson could hardly have come closer to eclipsing Miller at the 2016 Open at Royal Troon. The left-hander's 20-footer for the first Major 62 looked destined to find the bottom of the cup until it somehow lipped out and stayed above ground.

The wait, however, would soon be over. Twelve months on from Mickelson's attempt, Branden Grace picked apart Royal Birkdale during the third round of the 2017 Open, firing an eight-under 62 to create a slice of history.

The South African held that record on his own for almost six years, until he was joined by Rickie Fowler and then Xander Schauffele, both of whom opened the 2023 US Open with eight-under 62s on a day of incredible scoring.

Just 12 months later, Schauffele was rewriting the record books again as he carded a nine-under-par 62 at Valhalla to become the first player to shoot a 62 in PGA Championship history. But the American had company in the record books that same week when Shane Lowry fired a 62 in the third round of the 2024 edition. 

Here's a full rundown of the lowest scores in men's Major championship history.

The Masters - 63

The Masters is the only Major played at the same venue every year, so you might assume it represents the best chance to go low. However, only twice has Augusta National yielded a 63, and neither player went on to win.

• Nick Price (1986 Masters)
• Greg Norman (1996 Masters)

The PGA Championship - 62

After seeing 18 63s - more than any other Major - the PGA Championship saw its first pair of 62s in 2024 after blistering displays from Schauffele and Lowry.

• Xander Schauffele (2024 PGA Championship, Valhalla)
• Shane Lowry (2024 PGA Championship, Valhalla)

The US Open - 62

On the 50th anniversary of Johnny Miller's iconic 63 en route to winning the 1973 US Open, his record was broken.

• Rickie Fowler (2023 US Open, Los Angeles Country Club)
• Xander Schauffele (2023 US Open, Los Angeles Country Club)

The Open - 62

Only one man has broken 63 in the game's oldest championship. It was Branden Grace, who became the first player in men's Major history to shoot 62.

• Branden Grace (2017 Open Championship, Royal Birkdale)