Herbert carded a final round four-under-par 68 to hold out nearest rivals Swede Rikard Karlberg and American Johannes Veerman respectively.

The victory earned Herbert a place in the Open Championship at Royal St George's from July 15-18 along with Karlberg and Veerman.

Herbert came into the final round at the Mount Juliet Estate holding a one-shot advantage over Veerman and the 25-year-old started strongly, firing birdies at the 2nd and 3rd holes.

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He shook off the disappointment of a bogey on the 5th 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," said Herbert, who marked his second European Tour title since claiming the Dubai Desert Classic in January 2020.

"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.

"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." – Lucas Herbert

"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."

Herbert is projected to jump to World No.54 with the win.

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.

Meanwhile, four-time major winner Rory McIlroy admitted he needed to work pretty hard on his game after tying for 59th place at the Irish Open.

McIlroy followed an opening 72 with a promising 67 at Mount Juliet, but carded rounds of 73 and 74 over the weekend to finish two under par.

He will now head to the Renaissance Club for the Scottish Open before the final major of the year, the 149th Open Championship at Royal St George's, the following week.

"I certainly don't feel as good about where I'm at compared to where I was after the US Open," said McIlroy, who held a share of the lead in the final round at Torrey Pines before finishing in a tie for seventh.

"But I've got another week to get ready and prepare and I obviously want to play well next week as well and have a chance to win.

"There's nothing better than preparing for a major championship by getting into contention the week before."

- Laine Clark, Reuters