Open records fall at Royal Birkdale as Fox, Herbert and Burns post 62s

What's happened

Ryan Fox has matched the Open record with a 62 in the third round at Royal Birkdale, joining Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns who did so a day earlier. The drama shifts to Sunday as Fox leads eight under, with Herbert two ahead of the field and Burns lurking in the pack after a late surge. Rory McIlroy is within striking distance after a 67.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• The Open at Royal Birkdale is delivering historic scoring, with three players recording 62s and threatening to rewrite major-record history.
• Fox’s round has shifted the weekend narrative, placing him in a share of the lead and creating fresh suspense for Sunday.
• McIlroy’s inconsistent progress suggests the course remains challenging despite benign conditions, underscoring the volatility of links golf under pressure.
• The dynamic between leaders and chasers could drive aggressive tactics on the final day, increasing the likelihood of a late-round shakeup.

Key questions for readers:

• Who will handle the pressure best on Sunday?
• Will the record threaten to fall again, or will the leaders consolidate?

How we got here

Herbert and Burns opened the Open with 62s in successive rounds, a rare feat that previously occurred in 2017 and later. Fox has joined them, making three players tied for the potential record of the lowest Open round as the final days unfold. Royal Birkdale’s firm, fast setup has produced aggressive play and dramatic finishes.

Our analysis

BBC Sport; The Independent; The Scotsman; New York Post; The Guardian (not included); etc. Direct quotes show varied emphasis on Fox, Herbert, Burns, Schauffele and McIlroy. All sources agree on the historic nature of the 62 scoring and Sunday’s potential record.

Go deeper

• Will Fox maintain his eight-under pace on Sunday?
• Can Herbert or Burns convert their morning momentum into a win?
• What does a 62-apiece say about the course setup and conditions?

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