The 30-year-old Australian has absolutely torched Royal Birkdale to vault to the top of the leaderboard at the 2026 Open Championship. He birdied his first three holes, then added three more birdies over the next six to go out with a 6-under 28.

That 28 ties Denis Durnian for the lowest nine-hole score ever at a tournament that began playing in 1860. Durnian's 28 also came on the front nine at Royal Birkdale, which plays to a par 34. Durnian would shoot 2-over on the back nine to finish with a 66 back in 1983.

How low can Herbert go?

Five players have shot 62 at major championships, with the first coming at … wait for it … Royal Birkdale, when Branden Grace shot a 62 back in 2017. That day, Grace went out in 29, then finished with three birdies on the back nine.

With three more birdies, Herbert had a shot at the first-ever 61, only to miss a five-foot putt at 18 for his first bogey. Still, it's a 62.

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)

Hole 17: Par (-9)Hole 18: Bogey (-8)