Lucas Herbert earns LIV Golf victory and a US Open start
Lucas Herbert reacts to a holed birdie putt at the 15th today – image LIV Golf League
Victorian Lucas Herbert has led virtually from wire to wire to win his first LIV Golf League event and, in doing so, earned, in addition to the US$4 million first-place cheque, a start at next month’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
The US Open appearance will be the second major Herbert has played his way into in 2026, having earned an Open Championship start courtesy of his runner-up finish to Daniel Hillier at the New Zealand Open in March.
The USGA introduced a new qualifying category last year for LIV Golf, which included the leading three golfers, not otherwise exempt, from the LIV Golf standings
Herbert will miss out on a start at the PGA Championship next week, but was clearly delighted with his outstanding performance on a demanding golf course at the Trump International in Virginia.
29 birdies and an eagle sprinkled through his scorecards for the 72 holes, and although a double bogey at the 9th today saw his lead reduced to just one when his nearest chaser, Sergio Garcia, birdied the 10th, he steadied the ship with birdies at the 11th and 12th and eventually won by four over the Spaniard.
Bryson De Chambeau finished alone in 3rd place.
Herbert was delighted to learn of his qualifying for Shinnecock Hills.
“Yeah, there were so many things that came with winning today. I just wanted to focus on what I was doing and then spend this moment now figuring out what comes with it.
“That’s a nice added bonus. My first major ever was at Shinnecock. Nice to go back and see what I’ve learned since then. Can’t wait to get there and try to play like I did this week.”
When asked what he would take out of his win, Herbert replied;
“Probably that I can perform pretty damn well when things aren’t perfect. I was pretty sick all week, and I woke up this morning probably feeling worse than I did the last few days. I had Sergio coming at me for 36 holes really hard, and he pushed me the whole way, made me earn that one.
“I didn’t doubt myself. I missed a few putts here and there and made it a contest late. But after the rain delay, the way I played those eight shots, I’m so proud of that. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone tonight.”
