07/17/26 09:46:00
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07/17 09:44 CDT British Open comes to life with 62s by Lucas Herbert and Sam
Burns on day of low scoring at Birkdale
British Open comes to life with 62s by Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns on day of
low scoring at Birkdale
By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
SOUTHPORT, England (AP) --- Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns took their place in
history Friday in the British Open when each equaled the major record with
rounds of 8-under 62 on a day of low scoring at Royal Birkdale.
Even as the buzz was wearing down, there was a reminder that a name in the
record book is not nearly as satisfying as the name to be etched in the silver
claret jug on Sunday.
Halfway through the second round, it was abundantly clear anything was possible.
Herbert's record-tying round could have felt like a consolation prize. The
30-year-old Australian was practically flawless until he stood over a 5-foot
par putt for a 61. He pulled it left and dropped hands onto his knees when he
realized his shot at history was over.
"So it was a strange one -- knocking that in and knowing I tied the record but
feeling like it might be one of best chances we've ever had to shoot a 61," he
said.
It was only 20 minutes later when Royal Birkdale saw another 62, and it came
out of nowhere. Burns, who wasn't even planning to play in The Open until his
wife gave birth to their second child earlier than expected, was having a good
round that turned into a great one.
He finished with three straight birdies --- from 40 feet off the green at the
16th, from 20 feet on the 17th and holing a bunker shot for the first birdie of
the day on the 18th --- for his 62.
Herbert has the early lead at 8-under 132, two shots ahead of 18-hole leader
Jackson Suber (69) and Cameron Young, who birdied the last two holes for
another 67. Burns was another shot behind.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler teed off in the afternoon, when the wind
was expected to be at least slightly stronger than a wee breeze that led to so
much low scoring in the morning.
Rory McIlroy had a 67 that didn't feel all that great compared to what was
going on around him. He saved par on the final hole and was at 1-under 139,
leaving him at least seven behind.
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