Grace shoots historic first 62 in the majors

Branden Grace wrote his name in the record books at the Open Championship on Saturday by becoming the first man in the history of the majors to card a 62.
The South African's incredible round at Royal Birkdale vaulted him 43 places up the leaderboard and into a share of second place, just two shots behind leader Jordan Spieth, who was yet to tee off.
As historic an achievement as it was in isolation, Grace will have to put all that aside for the time being and realise that he's also given himself a great chance of winning the tournament.
How Branden made history. A closer look at @BrandenGrace's record-breaking round. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/MBIwx4rMwb
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2017
Win or lose, however, Grace's round will long be remembered – though some reckon Birkdale is there for the taking, and that another 62 or even better could be in the offing.
Afterwards, Grace's caddie Zach Rasego said they only realised on the 18th green that he was on the verge of doing something great.
"We had no idea until the last hole when Jason Dufner's caddie said this putt is for history. A golf score is a golf score."
Grace's bogey-free round featured birdies at the first, third, fourth, eighth, ninth, 14th, 16th and 17th – with a crucial par save at the last securing the historic number.
Record breaker! @brandengrace shoots the lowest round in major history (62). #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/SjY1RSRvmh
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2017
"We knew what the score was, but I had no idea I was about to shoot the lowest round ever. It's nice to get in the zone like that, when you don't really know what's going on," Grace said.
"My main thing was not wanting to finish with a bogey. To seal the thing was pretty special.
"I was in the zone, trying to finish the round and it's never nice to finish with a bogey. After I made it, my caddie told me the situation and that made it even better.
"It's awesome. Dustin (Johnson) is playing well as well so I'm sure he has a chance – but I'll like it while it lasts.
"I'm playing some good golf, hopefully I can go out tomorrow and play well."
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.