Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 17

154th Open Runs July 16-19 at Royal Birkdale With 156 Golfers and Peacock Live Coverage

Updated

Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 17

154th Open Runs July 16-19 at Royal Birkdale With 156 Golfers and Peacock Live Coverage

Q: After a record-breaking round, can surprise leader Lucas Herbert fend off golf's biggest names?

Yes, but the odds are against him unless he repeats something close to Friday’s level. Herbert leads the Open at 8-under after a stunning 62 at Royal Birkdale, tying the lowest 18-hole score in men’s major history and matching a nine-hole major record with a front-nine 28. That gives him a real chance, especially on a firm, strategic course where precise iron play and confident putting matter. His recent form is not empty either: he has seven professional wins and a LIV title earlier this year. The problem is what comes next. Herbert is ranked 97th in the world and has a modest major record, with no finish better than tied 13th in a major and only one made cut in the four majors he had played since the start of 2024. History is not especially encouraging either: players who shoot 62 in majors rarely go on to win. Only Xander Schauffele at the 2024 PGA converted that kind of round into a title. The chase group is strong and experienced. Sam Burns also shot 62 and is within striking distance. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 and defending champion, is only a few shots back. Rory McIlroy recovered to make the weekend, and former Open champion Collin Morikawa remains well placed. Royal Birkdale’s closing stretch, especially in firm conditions and possible wind, is built to expose any lapse. Herbert can win, but he is no clear favorite. His lead is real; the pressure from proven major contenders is even more real.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 17

Royal Birkdale is staging the 154th Open from July 16-19, with 156 golfers in the field including defending champion Scottie Scheffler.
Peacock carries live daily streaming, while NBC, USA, Golf Channel and NBCSN split TV coverage across the four tournament days.
Friday's Round 2 coverage begins at 1:30 a.m. ET on Peacock, adds featured groups at 4 a.m. on USA and Golf Channel, and continues with all-access coverage at 8 a.m.
Round 2 tee times run from 1:35 a.m. ET through 11:21 a.m., with marquee groups including McIlroy-Schauffele-Fitzpatrick at 5:09 a.m. and Scheffler-Hatton-DeChambeau at 10:04 a.m.
The Southport course is hosting the Open for the 11th time, but every hole was modified this year, giving even returning players a different test.