SOUTHPORT, England — Before Jordan Spieth took a three-shot lead on Saturday at the British Open, Branden Grace capitalized on perfect morning conditions to record the lowest score in men’s major championship history, a 62 in the third round at Royal Birkdale.
On the front nine, Grace, a native of South Africa, shot his age — 29 — and he did not look back for the rest of his eight-under-par round. In 2014, South Korea’s Kim Hyo-joo opened with a 61 at the Evian Championship, and three other women have posted scores of 62 in majors.
Grace started the day tied for 45th place at four over but shot up the leader board to take a tie for fifth with Hideki Matsuyama, the world No.