Lucas Herbert recorded his best finish in a major with a share of 13th place – photo PGA of America
Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert have shared the honours as leading Australasian at this week’s PGA Championship in Tulsa in Oklahoma, the pair finishing in a tie for 13th after Herbert, in particular, had fought his way into contention earlier in his final round.
Herbert began the day in 10th place and eight shots from the lead of Miro Pereira but a brilliant start on the demanding Southern Hills layout had him closing within striking distance of the lead when he birdied the 1st and 4th holes.
Herbert reached the turn in 2 under 33 and at 3 under and with those behind him on the golf course battling, a strong finish may well have seen him vying for the title.
Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, he would bogey the 11th, 12th and 14th and when he double bogeyed the 16th he was battling to retain his standing as even the leading Australasian as by then Smith was already in the clubhouse at even par and two ahead of Herbert.
Herbert somehow managed to compose himself and birdie the 17th and 18th holes after quality irons to both and would complete his 4th PGA Championship in 13th position to record his best ever finish in a major championship.
Smith put together a solid final round of 69, a birdie at his 17th hole getting him back to even par and in a share of that 13th place.
Smith moves to his highest ever standing in the world, now in 3rd place in the world ranking.
Cameron Smith shared Australasian honours – photo PGA of America
The tournament was won by Justin Thomas who won his second major title, both of them PGA Championships having also won the 2017 version of the event.
Having led when he finished his second round of 67 on Friday before being overtaken that day by Will Zalatoris though 36 holes, Thomas fell seven shots from the 54 lead of Mito Pereira with a third round of 74.
Thomas actually fell further behind with two early bogeys today but on a day of high drama his fightback for a third 67 of the week saw him be part of a two man playoff against Zalatori.
Thomas gained the edge with a two putt birdie at the second extra hole after finding the green with his tee shot at the par 4 and would go on to win the shootout by one shot.
Justin Thomas in action during the final round – photo PGA of America
One could not help but feel for the Chilean Pereira who led for so much of the last 36 holes before a 72nd hole double-bogey saw him not only lose the one shot lead he had standing on that tee but a chance to be included in the playoff.
“Obviously sad to be here and not in the playoff, not make par, just straight win,” said Pereira. “On 18, I wasn’t even thinking about the water. I just wanted to put it in play, and I guess I aimed too far right. I just hit in the water.
“It’s not how I wanted to end up this week, but a really good result. Played really good. Today I was really nervous. I tried to handle it a little bit but it’s really tough. I thought I was going to win on 18, but it is what it is. We’ll have another one.”
