As the Open Championship unfolds at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, the third round, commonly known as ‘moving day,’ carries great significance. Lucas Herbert seized the spotlight by matching the tournament record with a remarkable 62 in the previous round, placing him as the 36-hole leader at 8-under. Herbert is set to tee off at 10:50 a.m. ET (3:50 p.m. BST).
Despite incurring a 2-shot penalty for improving his lie at the fifth, Bryson DeChambeau remains in the hunt at 5-under, teeing off at 10:30 a.m. ET (3:30 p.m. BST) alongside Sam Burns, who also shares the 5-under score and echoed Herbert’s 62 on Friday.
Current Standings
- 1. Lucas Herbert (AUS) -8
- T2. Ryan Gerard (USA) -6
- T2. Cameron Young (USA) -6
- T2. Jackson Suber (USA) -6
- T5. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) -5
- T5. Si Woo Kim (KOR) -5
- T5. Sam Burns (USA) -5
Scottie Scheffler’s Steady Performance
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is four shots behind Herbert after opening with two consecutive 68s. His consistency is reflected in six straight rounds under 70 at The Open, matching a record alongside Nick Price, Henrik Stenson, and Brian Harman. Ernie Els holds the overall record with seven consecutive rounds under 70.
Surprising Cuts and Challengers
Several notable players missed the cut, including Matt Fitzpatrick, who had been a favored contender. Fitzpatrick, leading the PGA Tour in strokes gained categories, was eliminated after two rounds of 2-over par. Also missing by a stroke were Aaron Rai and Cameron Smith, while Wyndham Clark missed by two.
Early Round Highlights
Third round action reveals a mix of fortunes. The par-4 sixth hole is proving challenging, with several players including Brooks Koepka encountering double bogeys. Rickie Fowler stands out with a strong start, making three birdies in his first five holes.
Record Low Scoring
Day two’s scoring was historic, with a stroke average of 70.348, surpassing the previous record for the second round set at Royal St George’s. Herbert set a new 36-hole record at Royal Birkdale with his combined score of 132, surpassing previous benchmarks.
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood
Rory McIlroy, starting at 1-under, and Tommy Fleetwood, at 4-under, are determined for strong performances. Fleetwood, a local favorite, improved significantly from Day 1 to Day 2, hitting 14 greens in regulation.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Controversy
Bryson DeChambeau’s ruling over an infraction drew significant attention. Fans are keenly observing his movements, particularly on the pivotal fifth hole.
Cameron Young’s Consistency
Cameron Young continues to impress with back-to-back rounds of 67. He is recognized for his precision, particularly in hitting greens in regulation.
Jackson Suber’s Rise
Jackson Suber, who excelled in Round 1, maintains momentum with effective play on par 5s, tied for best in the field.
Sam Burns Charging Forward
Sam Burns, after a strong 62, aims to follow the path of other champions who have claimed majors after recent second-place finishes.
Historical Context for Leaders
Lucas Herbert’s lead is significant, yet history shows leading by one stroke after 36 holes often doesn’t secure victory. Only Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler, while ranked No. 1, have achieved this in the past 40 years.