Herbert wins Irish title to secure British Open place

Australia’s Lucas Herbert completed a wire-to-wire victory at the Irish Open on Sunday (local time) to win his second European Tour title, carding a four-under par 68 in the final round to finish three strokes ahead of Swede Rikard Karlberg.

Herbert came into the final round at the Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown holding a one-shot advantage over American Johannes Veerman and the 25-year-old started strongly, firing birdies at the second and third holes.

He shook off the disappointment of a bogey on the fifth before making another birdie immediately after the turn and two more at the 15th and 17th holes completed the job.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Herbert said. “It’s a bit fulfilling – I feel I was probably at one of my low points in my life two years ago when I played at Lahinch in the Irish Open.

“I feel like I’ve done full swing and come back around and won the event. It’s pretty satisfying and I’m pretty satisfied stood here right now.

“The more big events that you play the better. You get more comfortable in those so I can take some more opportunities when I do get those chances.”

Lucas Herbert with the Irish Open trophy at Mount Juliet Golf Club on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images

The victory earned Herbert a place in the British Open at Royal St George’s from July 15–18, alongside Karlberg and Veerman.

Karlberg produced a solid 67 with three of his five birdies coming on the back nine while Veerman was left to rue bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes.

Reuters

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