Four Wins On Four Continents For Herbert After Play-Off Success In Japan

1 year ago by Comments Off on Four Wins On Four Continents For Herbert After Play-Off Success In Japan

Aussie Lucas Herbert has made it four wins on four different countries after his play-off success in the ISPS Championship in Japan.

Herbert defeated Canadian Aaron Cockerill at the second extra play-off hole after the two players ended regular competition locked at 15-under on the host PGM Ishioka course at Omitama, located just to the north of Tokyo.

The win for Herbert is his third on the DP World Tour after earlier victories in 202o at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the 2021 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.  He won later in 2021 in capturing the PGA Tour’s Bermuda Championship.

What a trophy! With Aussie Lucas Herbert winning a play-off to capture the inaugural ISPS Handa International in Japan (Photo – DP World Tour/Getty)

Herbert, who was out in the group ahead of Cockerill, posted a closing three-under 67, capped by a superb start to the final day when the Victorian golfer eagled the par-5 fifth hole.

Cockerill was in the last group and leading the Japanese field by a shot at 13-under though the 30-year-old, and looking for a first professional victory, struggled to be level par through 11 holes before birdies at 12 and 14, and then after finding a greenside bunker at the last, he pulled-off a great up-and-down at the 72nd to save par and force the play-off.

It was back to the 18th with firstly Herbert just missing his birdie putt and Cockerill actually lipping-out for his birdie.

Herbert was then in trouble down the left side of the 18th, and the second extra hole, but pulled-off a fantastic second shot, that generated a big cloud of dust from his shot, and with his ball then landing about 10-feet from where he holed the winning birdie putt.

There was a right-hand victory punch from Herbert before being embraced by caddy Nick Pugh, and as the pair has now done for a fourth occasion in just over three-years.

“It’s great. Obviously coming on board as an ambassador for ISPS Handa this year, it’s great to win an event with them as the title sponsor,” said Herbert.

“It’s a real honour. And just to be back in Japan and win as well. I’ve come here so many times and loved it so to get back here and win, it means a lot.

“I think it’s cool to be able to win everywhere and have a lot of good memories from all the spots in the world where you have played.”

Speaking about the up and down that earned him victory at the second play-off hole, Herbert said: “Pretty special. I got pretty lucky over there on the right to get a good lie after we dropped it.

“Nick (caddie Nick Pugh) gave me the number and it was basically perfect. It was exactly what you’d want off that lie.

“So it was good to hit a good shot in there. And then my hand was shaking all over the place just to get the putt started on line, and to have it fall in was pretty cool.”

Victory earned Herbert a prize cheque for $US 340,000.

Lucas Herbert – With His ISPS Championship Success

  • The win is Herbert’s third DP World Tour victory on his 85th appearance, following wins at the 2020 Omega Dubai Desert Classic and 2021 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open while it’s a fourth win worldwide after capturing the PGA Tour’s 2021 Bermuda Championship
  • Moves to 4th on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex.
    Becomes the new World No. 42nd on the Official World Golf Ranking, up from 59th, and return to the top 50 for the first time since February
  • Now enjoys three top-10s in his four DP World Tour appearances this season, with his best finish 3rd place at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January
  • Is the second Australian winner on the 2023 Race to Dubai Presented by Rolex, following Cameron Smith at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in November.
  • Lucas is now the 140th Australian-born player in this the 51st year of the DP World Tour

 

 



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