Aussie Lucas Herbert was one putt away from making golf history after a sensational second round at the Open at Royal Birkdale.

Herbert came into Friday after shooting an even par-70 in his first round, but this time he came out of the blocks firing. All in all, the Australian carded nine birdies – eight coming in his first 12 holes – to bring the landmark into sight but came up just short, having not managed to take advantage of the two back-nine par fives.

A drive into the rough and then a missed five-footer at the 18th brought his first bogey, which meant he carded a 62 to equal the lowest round ever in a major championship. And while there was a tinge of disappointment that he was one putt away from sole possession of the record, he was still able to console himself with the fact that very few people had matched his achievement.

GettyImages 2286510178
Lucas Herbert of Australia reacts to a missed putt on the 18th green. Pic: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

And then, moments later, in a remarkable turn of events, Sam Burns equalled Herbert’s score of 62 as he jumped to -5 for the tournament. He finished his round strongly, with six birdies on his back nine.

It was the second and then third time the score had been made at the par-70 Southport links, with Branden Grace the first man to post 62 in the third round there in 2017.

Since then, Rickie Fowler (2023 US Open), Xander Schauffele twice (2023 US Open and 2024 PGA Championship– the second on a par-71 course), and Shane Lowry (2024 PGA Championship, also par-71) all joined the South African Grace in the history books.

rory mcilroy the open
Rory McIlroy watches his drive from the 9th tee. Pic: ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images

But in relatively benign conditions, on a course playing firm and fast, the 30-year-old Herbert blew them away. He covered the front nine in just 28 strokes, equalling Denis Durnian’s 1983 Open record, to get to six under and came home in 33 to move two ahead of overnight leader Jackson Suber, who shot a 69.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy salvaged his first-round woes by carding a two-under-par front nine, with another birdie on 14 bringing him under par for the tournament.

However, the highlight for the career Grand Slam champion was on the par-4 ninth hole, where he drove the green once again after doing it in his first round, hitting the ball over 400 yards to within 10 feet of the hole as he carded a birdie.