Lucas Herbert came within five feet and three inches of making history with a record-breaking 61 at The Open, but a missed putt left him with a 62 and a mix of disappointment and pride. The Australian golfer’s round was a masterclass in skill and mental fortitude, yet the elusive 61 in men’s major championships remains unclaimed.
Heartbreak at the 18th Green
At 12 minutes past two on Friday afternoon, Herbert’s putt for a 61 slid past the hole, causing him to slump with hands over his knees. His 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. But when your heart is racing, there’s just that little distraction.”
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Herbert’s 62 tied the course record and placed him atop the leaderboard at eight under par. He became the sixth man to shoot 62 in a major, but the near-miss stung deeply. “History has an evil or great way of doing this to people when history is on the line,” Pugh added.
A Bittersweet Achievement
In a twist, Sam Burns holed out from a bunker at the 18th for a 62 of his own while Herbert was still in media duties. Herbert expressed mixed emotions: “I’m absolutely disappointed and at the same time, so proud of today. It’s a pretty good problem to have, to be disappointed you shot 62.”
The round was a display of resilience on a course many considered too tough for such scoring. Herbert recalled his earliest golf memory of watching Chad Campbell at the 2009 Masters, drawing inspiration from that moment.
Key Takeaways from Herbert’s Historic Round
- Record-tying 62 at The Open, equaling the course record and becoming the sixth man to shoot 62 in a major.
- Mental pressure played a role in the missed putt, highlighting the challenge of chasing history.
- Resilience shown by Herbert, who balanced disappointment with pride in his performance.
- Competition from Sam Burns, who also shot 62, adding to the drama.
Comparison of Major Championship Low Scores
| Player | Score | Year | Major |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucas Herbert | 62 | 2025 | The Open |
| Sam Burns | 62 | 2025 | The Open |
| Branden Grace | 62 | 2017 | The Open |
| Johnny Miller | 63 | 1973 | U.S. Open |
Herbert’s 62 puts him in elite company, but the missed putt for 61 will linger. “Right now, I’ve sort of got both going on,” he said, referring to his conflicting emotions.
FAQ
What score did Lucas Herbert shoot at The Open?
Lucas Herbert shot a 62, tying the course record and becoming the sixth man to post 62 in a major championship.
Why didn’t Herbert break the 61 record?
Herbert missed a five-foot-three-inch putt on the 18th hole, which would have given him a 61. The pressure of the moment was cited as a factor.
How did Herbert react to the missed putt?
Herbert expressed both disappointment and pride, saying it was a tricky emotion to hold both feelings at once.
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