Australian golfer Lucas Herbert clinched his maiden LIV Golf League title on Sunday, holding off a late charge from Spain's Sergio Garcia to win by four shots at LIV Golf Virginia. The victory earned Herbert a $4 million prize and an automatic spot in next month's US Open in New York.
Herbert, who started the final round with a five-shot lead, saw his advantage slashed to one after a double bogey on the ninth hole and a birdie from Garcia. However, the 30-year-old from Bendigo regained composure with birdies on the 11th, 12th, and 15th holes to finish at 24 under par, signing for a three-under 69.
Garcia shot a 70 to finish second, one shot ahead of American Bryson DeChambeau, who carded a 66. The win completes a set of individual LIV Golf victories for the all-Australian Ripper GC team, following wins by Marc Leishman, Elvis Smylie, and captain Cameron Smith.
Herbert, who was too ill to complete a full practice round earlier in the week, said he proved he can perform under difficult circumstances. 'I was pretty sick all week and woke up feeling worse today,' he said. 'Sergio pushed me hard, but I'm proud of how I finished.'
The victory is Herbert's seventh professional win and his first on the LIV Golf circuit, having previously won on the US PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and in Australasia. He will now compete in the US Open at Shinnecock Hills in June.
