Day two of The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale saw thousands of fans flock to the course on Friday, July 17, to witness golfing history as Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both equalled the record for the lowest score in a major championship, shooting rounds of 62 within minutes of each other.
Herbert and Burns Make History
Australian Lucas Herbert had a five-foot putt on the 18th green to shoot a 61, which would have been the lowest-ever round in a men’s major. However, his effort slid wide, and he had to settle for a 62, matching the record originally set by Brandon Grace at Birkdale in 2017. Sam Burns then holed out from a greenside bunker on 18 for his sixth birdie on the back nine to also post the same number, having covered the front nine in two under.
“I’m absolutely disappointed, and at the same time so proud to put my name on that list of guys that have shot 62 in a major championship,” Herbert said. “It’s kind of holding two emotions there at the same time. It’s a tricky one, and I’m sure once the dust settles, I’ll be able to sort of decompress it a little bit.” Burns reflected: “I caught myself by surprise. I honestly feel like I played a pretty solid round of golf yesterday and then just a terrible finish there on 16, 17, 18. I thought coming into the day if I could get it to red numbers for the golf tournament, that would be a pretty good spot.”
Fleetwood Makes Flying Start
Local favourite Tommy Fleetwood made a flying start to his second round, making two birdies in the first four holes. The Englishman, who grew up in Southport, received strong support from the home crowd as he looked to contend for the Claret Jug.
Fans from Around the World
The ECHO spoke to spectators from across the globe on the second day. Baylee Culverhouse, 30, Corey Richards, 30, and Elizabeth Richards, 56, travelled from Atlanta, Georgia, to Liverpool for the first time. Praising the city and residents, Corey said: “The people are lovely. You've got a beautiful course. We're having a great day. This is where golf started so we had to come. We've got a group of guys with us leading the charge, taking the course hole by hole, but we like to experience the whole thing so we get to see all the stuff around and the beautiful course.”
Dad and son Zach, 27, and Chris Sykes, 62, came from St Thomas, Ontario, Canada, on a “dream pilgrimage” to Merseyside. Zach told the ECHO: “We’re going to do some Beatles stuff, we’re big fans of The Beatles. We’ve got a couple of Beatles things planned for when we get back later today. Then we’re heading to Ireland for golf tomorrow. Ever since I got into golf, [The Open] has been the premier tournament for me. I always look forward to it every year. Obviously, with the course selections, the history of golf, and being a history guy, that’s what appeals to me. The history, the tradition, that sort of stuff.”
Thousands of fans poured into Birkdale, with many dressed to impress in colourful outfits and bucket hats. The atmosphere was palpable as spectators from all ages enjoyed the scorching day. The gallery included families, couples, and groups of friends, all soaking in the unique atmosphere of The Open.
