PGA TOUR of AUSTRALASIA
Lucas Herbert Wins NSW Open
Lucas Herbert delivered a stunning comeback at Murray Downs to claim the Kel Nagle Cup at the 2024 Ford NSW Open. The Victorian, who started four shots off the pace on the final day, fired a 4-under 67 on Sunday to propel him to a three-stroke victory at 15-under. It was his first professional win on Australian soil.
Herbert’s triumph was achieved over a tightly contested field, with Alex Simpson, Corey Lamb, and Cameron Smith all finishing tied for second at 12-under. Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit leader Jack Buchanan and New Zealand's Josh Geary shared fifth place at 9-under, while four others tied for seventh one shot further back.
The turning point for Herbert came with a mid-tournament change in equipment. Struggling with his putting in the early rounds, he switched back to his trusted putter after a challenging Saturday. The decision proved crucial as he drained three birdies on the front nine, including back-to-back birdies at the 8th and 9th holes.
While Ripper GC teammate Smith faltered with two front-nine bogeys, Herbert capitalised, pulling even by the turn. A birdie on the par-4 13th gave him the outright lead, and he held steady from there, finishing even-par on the closing holes as his challengers stumbled.
For the Bendigo native, the victory was especially sweet. Though it came just across the Victorian border in New South Wales, the proximity to his hometown made it a moment to savour.
“Winning in front of my friends from Bendigo and some family was incredibly special,” Herbert said. “To start four shots behind Cam (Smith) and come out on top—this one means a lot.”
Herbert also acknowledged the significance of winning a professional tournament in Australia for the first time. “I’ve thought about it a few times—winning a tour event here. To finally tick that off is an amazing feeling.”
With his confidence high, Herbert now turns his attention to the BMW Australian PGA Championship and the ISPS HANDA Australian Open over the next two weeks.
Final Scores
1. Lucas Herbert -15
T2. Alexander Simpson -12
T2. Corey Lamb -12
T2. Cameron Smith -12
T5. Jack Buchanan -9
T5. JoshGeary -9
Image credit: PGA Tour of Australasia
