Lucas Herbert Misses Historic 61 at Open: Disappointed but Proud 2026

Lucas Herbert came agonizingly close to making golf history at The Open, missing a five-foot putt that would have given him the first-ever 61 in a men's major championship. The Australian golfer ultimately settled for a 62, tying the course record and moving to eight under par.

The Heartbreaking Miss That Defined a Round

With 61 in sight, Herbert stood over a five-foot, three-inch putt on the 18th green. The entire crowd held its breath. But the putt slid by, leaving Herbert slumped over his knees in disbelief. “I would back Lucas 100 times out of 100 to hole those,” said caddie Nick Pugh. “He’s one of the best putters in the world. But when your heart is racing and you know what’s on the line, there’s just that little distraction.”

History's Cruel Twist

Herbert's 62 tied the course record and made him only the sixth man to shoot 62 in a major. Yet it felt like a missed opportunity. “I’m absolutely disappointed and at the same time, so proud of today,” Herbert said. “It’s a pretty good problem to have, to be disappointed you shot 62.” Sam Burns added salt to the wound by holing a bunker shot on 18 for his own 62 while Herbert was still doing media.

Comparing the Greatest Rounds in Major History

Key Takeaways from Herbert's Historic Round

• Herbert's 62 is tied for the lowest round in men's major history.
• He became the second player to shoot 62 at The Open, after Branden Grace.
• The missed putt for 61 highlights the immense pressure of golf history.
• Herbert leads The Open at eight under par heading into the weekend.
• His caddie emphasized the mental challenge of chasing history.

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