Overview
- Lucas Herbert sits atop the leaderboard after equalling the major low with an 8‑under 62, which left him at eight under going into the weekend.
- Sam Burns and Ryan Fox also carded 62s, expanding the rare list of 62s in majors and creating a tightly packed leaderboard with several major contenders within a few strokes.
- Television replays and an on‑course review led R&A officials to assess DeChambeau a two‑shot penalty for 'inadvertently improving' the area of his intended backswing on the par‑4 fifth, turning his posted score into a higher mark and moving him back on the board.
- DeChambeau protested at the scene, was visibly frustrated and later said the ruling 'fires me up,' while fellow players including Rory McIlroy publicly criticised his behaviour during the exchange.
- The R&A defended the decision and broadcasters' footage proved decisive, a development that could change how TV evidence and player conduct shape future rules enforcement at majors.