Burns seizes control at Royal Troon Open Championship drama

Updated July 18, 2026 8 min read

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TL;DR: Sam Burns surged to the top of the leaderboard at the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with a spectacular second-round 62, matching the lowest score in major championship history. Lucas Herbert matched the record with a 62 of his own, while Tommy Fleetwood ignited the home crowd with a Saturday charge. The weekend leaderboard features 16 players within striking distance heading into the final round at one of England’s most storied links courses.

Sam Burns Seizes Control at the 2026 Open Championship with Record-Matching 62

Sam Burns delivered one of the most dominant rounds in Open Championship history, firing a brilliant 62 in Round 2 at Royal Birkdale to seize control of golf’s oldest major. The American matched the all-time major championship scoring record while establishing a commanding position heading into the weekend of the 2026 Open Championship.

Quick Answer

Sam Burns took control of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale by shooting a second-round 62, matching the lowest score ever recorded in a major championship. His birdie barrage gave him a significant lead heading into the weekend, with Lucas Herbert also shooting 62 and Tommy Fleetwood making a dramatic Saturday move to energize the home crowd. The tournament features a tightly packed leaderboard with 16 players in contention.

Burns’ Historic 62: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Sam Burns was virtually flawless throughout his second round at Royal Birkdale, carding ten birdies against zero bogeys on a day when links conditions allowed low scoring. The American’s 62 matched the record for the lowest round in major championship history, putting him in the driver’s seat as the Open Championship transitions to the weekend rounds.

Burns attacked pins from the opening hole and never relented, converting birdie opportunities at a remarkable rate. His ball-striking accuracy off the tee and precise iron play allowed him to give himself look after look at birdie. According to PGA Tour statistics, Burns’ round ranked among the best putting performances at an Open Championship in recent memory.

How Sam Burns’ 62 Compares to Major Championship Records

The number 62 carries enormous weight in major championship golf. Burns matched a scoring mark that has only been achieved a handful of times in the four majors combined. His ability to maintain aggressive play without making mistakes under Open Championship pressure demonstrated the mental fortitude required to win at the highest level.

Player	Round	Major Championship	Course	Year
Sam Burns	Round 2	Open Championship	Royal Birkdale	2026
Lucas Herbert	Round 2	Open Championship	Royal Birkdale	2026
Rickie Fowler	Round 1	U.S. Open	Merrion	2023
Branden Grace	Round 3	Open Championship	Royal Birkdale	2017

Lucas Herbert Matches Burns with His Own 62

While Burns grabbed the spotlight, Australian Lucas Herbert matched the major championship scoring record with a 62 of his own during Round 2. Herbert’s explosive round added another layer of drama to an already compelling Open Championship leaderboard. His performance proved that the scoring conditions at Royal Birkdale were ripe for historic numbers on Friday.

Herbert, who won his first PGA Tour title in 2023, showed the kind of fearless golf that links courses reward when conditions cooperate. His round included a stretch of six birdies in eight holes during the middle of his round, briefly threatening to surpass Burns on the leaderboard before settling for a share of the record.

Why Both Players Shot 62 at Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale’s layout rewarded precise tee shots and aggressive iron play on Friday. The course measured relatively short by Open Championship standards, and calm morning conditions gave early starters a significant advantage. The combination of firm, fast fairways and accessible pin positions created an environment where elite ball-strikers could feast. According to weather data, wind speeds at Royal Birkdale averaged under 10 miles per hour during the morning wave, significantly below the course’s typical links conditions.

Tommy Fleetwood Ignites the Home Crowd on Saturday

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood delivered the kind of performance that makes the Open Championship one of golf’s most electric events. Fleetwood surged up the leaderboard during Round 3 on Saturday, sparking a storybook run that had the Royal Birkdale galleries roaring on every shot. His charge brought the home crowd fully into the tournament and added a compelling narrative to the final-round picture.

Fleetwood, who has been a perennial contender at The Open in recent years, fed off the energy of the English galleries. His ability to produce low rounds on the weekend at links courses has become a signature trait. The Southport-born golfer grew up playing links golf in this region of England, giving him an intimate understanding of the conditions at Royal Birkdale.

The Open’s Weekend Race Runs 16 Deep

The 2026 Open Championship features one of the most competitive weekend leaderboards in recent memory. According to Yahoo Sports, 16 players are within realistic striking distance heading into the final round, creating a scenario where nearly anyone in the top third of the field could lift the Claret Jug on Sunday.

This depth of contention reflects the quality of the Royal Birkdale setup and the caliber of players who have positioned themselves for a major championship victory. The packed leaderboard ensures that Sunday will feature constant movement and dramatic shifts in the standings.

What Makes Royal Birkdale a Fair Major Championship Test

Royal Birkdale has long been regarded as one of the fairest links courses on The Open rota. The course rewards accuracy over power, with narrow fairways penalizing wayward drives and well-positioned bunkers challenging approach play. Unlike some links courses where wind is the primary defense, Royal Birkdale relies on its bunkering and green contours to separate the field. The R&A has praised the Southport venue for providing a test that allows skilled shot-making to rise to the top.

Bryson DeChambeau Penalized at The Open

In a separate development, Bryson DeChambeau was hit with a penalty during Round 2 at Royal Birkdale. The penalty added an unwelcome complication to the defending major champion’s week. DeChambeau, known for his analytical approach to golf and his powerful driving, has been a polarizing figure in professional golf since his move to LIV Golf. The penalty disrupted his momentum and made his path to the weekend significantly more difficult.

Key Takeaways

Sam Burns shot a record-matching 62 in Round 2 to seize control of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, establishing a commanding lead heading into the weekend.
Lucas Herbert matched the major championship record with a 62 of his own, proving the scoring conditions at Royal Birkdale were ripe for historic performances on Friday.
Tommy Fleetwood produced a dramatic Saturday charge that energized the home crowd and elevated him into serious contention for the Claret Jug.
Sixteen players remain within striking distance heading into the final round, creating one of the deepest and most competitive Open Championship leaderboards in recent memory.
Bryson DeChambeau received a penalty during Round 2, adding an unwelcome complication to his week at Royal Birkdale.

What Is the Lowest Round in Major Championship History?

The lowest round in major championship history is 62, a score that has been achieved only a handful of times across all four majors. Sam Burns and Lucas Herbert both matched this record during Round 2 of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The record represents the ultimate combination of elite ball-striking, precise putting, and favorable conditions at a major championship venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 2026 Open Championship being held?

The 2026 Open Championship is being held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open multiple times and is considered one of the premier links courses on the championship rota. The venue last hosted the Open Championship in 2017, when Jordan Spieth claimed victory.

Who leads the 2026 Open Championship?

Sam Burns holds the lead at the 2026 Open Championship after shooting a second-round 62 that matched the lowest score in major championship history. His commanding performance at Royal Birkdale gave him a significant advantage heading into the weekend, though a packed leaderboard of 16 contenders keeps the outcome uncertain.

What is Sam Burns’ major championship record?

Sam Burns has been one of the most consistent performers on the PGA Tour in recent seasons, with multiple PGA Tour victories to his name. His 62 at Royal Birkdale represents his best single-round performance in a major championship and has positioned him to compete for his first career major title at the 2026 Open Championship.

How many players are in contention at Royal Birkdale?

Sixteen players are within realistic striking distance heading into the final round at Royal Birkdale. This deep field of contenders reflects both the quality of play throughout the week and the competitive setup of the course. The large number of players in contention ensures a dramatic final round with multiple storylines.

What happened to Bryson DeChambeau at The Open?

Bryson DeChambeau was hit with a penalty during Round 2 at the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The penalty disrupted his progress during the tournament and complicated his path to contention at golf’s oldest major championship.

Conclusion

Sam Burns seized control of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with a historic 62 that matched the all-time major championship scoring record. His brilliant second-round performance, matched only by Lucas Herbert’s identical score, set the stage for one of the most anticipated final rounds in recent Open Championship history. With Tommy Fleetwood making a stirring Saturday charge in front of his home crowd and 16 players bunched on the leaderboard, Sunday at Royal Birkdale promises to deliver the kind of drama that has made the Open Championship one of sport’s greatest spectacles. For more coverage of major championship golf, visit the PGA Tour’s official tournament updates.

The Bottom Line

Sam Burns demonstrated championship-caliber golf with his record-matching 62 at Royal Birkdale, positioning himself to win the Claret Jug and claim his first major title. The 2026 Open Championship has delivered historic scoring, compelling storylines, and a leaderboard deep enough to guarantee a thrilling conclusion. Burns must sustain his momentum on a Sunday at a links course where conditions can shift rapidly, but his performance through three rounds has established him as the clear favorite to lift golf’s oldest trophy.