Lucas Herbert, the LIV Golf star, avoided a penalty at The Open Championship after his caddie was spotted using a rangefinder, a device banned under competition rules. The R&A quickly confirmed that the device was used as a monocular without a battery, making it fully permissible.
Record-Equalling Round
Herbert shot a record-equalling 62 in the second round at Royal Birkdale, matching the lowest round in major championship history set by Branden Grace nine years ago. He began the day at level par and stormed to the top of the leaderboard with six birdies on the front nine, adding further shots on the 11th, 12th, and 16th before dropping a shot on the final hole.
Caddie's Rangefinder Incident
On the 13th hole, Herbert's caddie, Nick Pugh, was seen using a distance-measuring gadget. The use of such devices is permitted on the LIV Golf tour but prohibited at The Open. Pugh had sought prior approval from The R&A, explaining that he knew the rules and had inquired early in the week. He informed playing partners and a walking referee, who confirmed it was acceptable.
An R&A official stated that the device lacked a battery and could not measure distances, so it was allowed. Pugh told reporters: "I obviously know that we can't do it here or at the U.S. Open recently, but there was another player at the U.S. Open whose caddie was giving the OK to use a rangefinder without the battery in. And I inquired very early on in the week with The R&A, one of the rules officials. I gave him a heads up, I said, 'Hey, this is what happened at the previous tournament. Would this be OK?' It obviously went to the power as it be, it went right to the very top, and I was given the green light."
Other Players' Performances
American Sam Burns matched Herbert's record-breaking round, finishing the day on five under par. Southport-born Tommy Fleetwood made a strong start to the second day, shooting one under on the front nine, grouped with Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm. The course dried out under blistering conditions, with players facing the cut if they finished one over par for the opening two rounds.
2022 Open champion Cameron Smith faced the cut after a difficult first round, scoring one under par in his second round. PGA Championship holder Aaron Rai shot one over and edged towards the cut line.
