“We can’t do that here” – LIV golf star escapes penalty after caddie uses banned device during historic round
Lucas Herbert won’t be getting into trouble after his caddie used a range-finding device during the 154th Open Championship.
The 30-year-old made history on Friday by shooting a 62, which ties the lowest score ever recorded in men’s major golf tournaments. This gave him the lead at the 2026 Open at Royal Birkdale. Herbert matched records set by Brandon Grace, Rickie Fowler, and Xander Schauffele, and also tied the record for the lowest front nine in an Open major.
But things got a little tricky when Herbert’s caddie, Nick Pugh, was spotted using what looked like a rangefinder later in the second round. TV cameras showed Pugh using the device at the 14th tee after Herbert’s drive landed in a bunker. Sky Sports commentators noted that using distance devices isn’t allowed and that Herbert could get a two-shot penalty under Rule 4.3.
Later, it was explained that the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), which runs the tournament, makes sure the devices don’t have batteries during the competition. This means Pugh was only using the device as binoculars, which is allowed.
Andrew Coltart, a golf expert on Sky Sports, said, “The R&A makes sure batteries are removed so the device can only be used as binoculars, not to measure distance.”
After the round, Pugh cleared up the confusion and said he got permission before the tournament. “At LIV Golf, we can use a rangefinder for measuring distance, but not here or at the US Open,” he told Today’s Golfer. “I asked the R&A early in the week if we could use one without batteries, like another player did at the US Open. They checked with the top officials and gave me the green light. I also told our playing partners and the referee, who confirmed it was okay.”
Pugh added, “My eyesight isn’t great, so the glasses aren’t just for style! Sometimes I can’t see if the ball lands in a bunker or not, especially when Herbert hits it so far. The rangefinder without a battery helps me see better.”
Herbert has never finished in the top 10 at a major before, but he won his first LIV Golf title in May. The Australian has also won on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.