Herbert's Near-Perfect 62 Rocks The Open, Shares Historic Record with Burns

Australian golfer Lucas Herbert made history on Friday at Royal Birkdale, carding a blistering 62 in the second round of The Open Championship. This stunning performance, which briefly put him on the cusp of golf first-ever 61 in a major, saw him equal the lowest score recorded in any Major Championship before a final-hole bogey. Adding to the drama, American Sam Burns replicated the feat just minutes later, making for an extraordinary day of golf. Herbert's near-flawless round, featuring nine birdie, thrust him into the lead, showcasing a masterful attack on a course he described as 'phenomenally tough.' His 6-under 28 on the front nine tied a record that had stood for 43 years, highlighting the exceptional nature of his play. This record-equalling 62 joins a short, elite list of performances by golfers like Branden Grace, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Shane Lowry. The excitement on the course was palpable, especially as Bryson DeChambeau, another prominent player, faced a two-shot penalty for an on-course infraction, further illustrating the intense stakes of this Major. With two rounds down and Herbert currently holding the lead, all eyes are now on Royal Birkdale for the weekend's 'moving day' and the final push for the coveted Claret Jug. Herbert, a member of LIV Golf, will be under immense pressure from a strong field, including the defending champion Scottie Scheffler and other big names looking to capitalize on any slip-ups. The prospect of an Australian lifting the trophy, following Cameron Smith's victory four years ago, adds a compelling narrative to what promises to be an enthralling conclusion.