Lucas Herbert stood five feet and three inches from making history, but a missed putt for a record-breaking 61 at The Open left him with mixed emotions. The Australian golfer, known for his steady putting, saw his chance slip away in a moment that tested both skill and nerve. Despite falling short, Herbert's round of 62 tied the course record and placed him atop the leaderboard at eight under par.
The Putt That Could Have Changed Golf History
Herbert's putt from just over five feet would have been the first 61 in men's major championship history. Thousands of golfers have tried, but no one has succeeded. Herbert's caddie, Nick Pugh, noted, "I would back Lucas 100 times out of 100 to hole those. He's one of the best putters, if not the best putter in the world." The pressure of history, however, proved too great.
Get the #1 Wireless Door Camera
REOLINK Bestseller: 2K Weatherproof Video Doorbell, No Monthly Fees.
Emotional Aftermath and Resilience
"I'm absolutely disappointed and at the same time, so proud of today," Herbert said. "Very, very proud to put my name on that list of guys that have shot 62 in a major championship." His reaction—slumping with hands over his knees—captured the weight of the moment. Sam Burns later matched his 62, adding salt to the wound.
| Player | Score | Major | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucas Herbert | 62 | The Open | 2025 |
| Sam Burns | 62 | The Open | 2025 |
| Chad Campbell | 62 | Masters | 2009 |
Key Takeaways from Herbert's Historic Round
- Record near-miss: Herbert missed a five-foot putt for a 61, the first in major history.
- Mental pressure: The weight of history distracted even a top putter.
- Resilience: Herbert bounced back to tie the course record at 62.
- Leaderboard impact: His 62 put him at eight under par, tied for the lead.
FAQ
What putt did Lucas Herbert miss at The Open?
Herbert missed a five-foot, three-inch putt on the 18th hole that would have given him a record-breaking 61 in a major championship.
How did Herbert react to missing the historic putt?
He slumped with hands over his knees and later expressed both disappointment and pride in shooting a 62, tying the course record.
Why is a 61 so rare in major championships?
The pressure of history and the difficulty of major championship courses make a 61 elusive. No male golfer has ever achieved it in a major.
Shop premium golf equipment and gear at GrandGoldman.com to elevate your game.