Lucas Herbert has already etched his name into the annals of Open Championship history. The 30-year-old Australian achieved a remarkable feat, becoming only the second player ever to card a 28 over nine holes in the tournament’s 154 editions. He has absolutely torched Royal Birkdale, a performance that has seen him vault to the very top of the leaderboard at the 2026 Open Championship.
A Historic Nine-Hole Masterclass
Herbert’s sensational front nine saw him go out with a 6-under 28. His charge began immediately, with birdies on his first three holes. He then added three more birdies over the next six holes, culminating in his record-equalling score. This exceptional 28 ties Denis Durnian for the lowest nine-hole score ever recorded in a tournament that first began playing in 1860. The front nine at Royal Birkdale plays to a par 34.
Birkdale’s Rich History of Records
Denis Durnian’s identical 28 also occurred on the front nine at Royal Birkdale, a moment that took place back in 1983. Durnian followed that historic front nine by shooting 2-over on the back nine, finishing his round with a 66. Royal Birkdale is no stranger to major championship record-breaking rounds. Branden Grace famously shot a 62 at the course in 2017. That day, Grace went out in 29 before finishing with three birdies on the back nine. Five players have shot 62 at major championships, and the first of these came at Royal Birkdale.
Herbert’s Ongoing Back Nine Progress
Herbert could still make more history as he continues his round. His journey around the back nine has seen him maintain a strong position. The story will be updated as Herbert makes his way around the back nine.
- Hole 10: Par (-6)
- Hole 11: Birdie (-7)
- Hole 12: Birdie (-8)
- Hole 13: Par (-8)
- Hole 14: Par (-8)
- Hole 15: Par (-8)
- Hole 16: Birdie (-9)
Lucas Herbert has already secured his place in the tournament’s history books. His performance on the back nine will determine if he can build further upon this remarkable start.