Herbert hunting second NSW Open after huge 2026

The Bendigo-born star arrives in career-best form off the back of a stunning 2026 season that has cemented him as one of the most dangerous players in the game.

In July, Herbert produced one of the greatest rounds in major championship history, carding a bogey-free, record-tying 62 in the second round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale to seize the outright 36-hole lead. He went on to finish tied sixth, a top-10 finish at golf’s oldest major that had fans back home glued to their screens all week.

That breakout week came off the back of Herbert’s maiden individual LIV Golf title, a wire-to-wire win at LIV Golf Virginia in May, where he closed with a final-round 69 to beat Sergio Garcia by four shots after leading from start to finish.

The win rocketed him to No. 3 on the LIV Golf points list and booked his return to the U.S. Open field for the first time in three years.

Reflecting on his standout season, Herbert said the results had given him plenty of confidence heading into the Australian summer.

“Getting the win in Virginia was obviously a big one and something I’d been working towards for a while. Then The Open was another really good week and it was nice to be right in the mix all week at a major,” Herbert said.

“To then back that up with a week of golf at LIV UK like I did was unbelievable. That kind of reinforced that I can mix it with the best players in the world under the most extreme pressure.”

Lucas Herbert won the 2024 NSW Open.

Now, the Ripper GC star will turn his attention to The Vintage, returning to the tournament he famously won at Murray Downs in 2024.

“I’ve obviously got some pretty good memories from the Ford NSW Open after winning a couple of years ago just outside Swan Hill, so it’s an event I’m really looking forward to getting back to,” Herbert said.

“We spend so much of the year travelling that you definitely appreciate the chances you get to come home and play and support the Australian Tour. Hopefully I can create a few more good memories this year.”

Herbert said the opportunity to compete in front of Australian crowds, particularly in regional areas like the Hunter Valley, made the tournament even more special.

“The crowds are always great and very supportive which I enjoy, and it’s just a different feeling playing at home. It’s also good to see how the locals support these regional events and hopefully we can put on a good show and get plenty of people out there watching.”

Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser said Herbert’s return was a huge boost for the tournament and golf in NSW.

“Lucas has had an extraordinary 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him back to the Ford NSW Open as our 2024 champion,” Fraser said.

“To see a player of Lucas’s calibre, fresh off a top-10 finish at The Open, choosing to come home and play the Ford NSW Open speaks volumes about the strength of this event and what it means to him.”

While Herbert is looking forward to reconnecting with Australian fans, the former champion made it clear he will arrive at The Vintage with one goal in mind.

“Hopefully a lot of birdies. I’ll be there trying to win. That’s ultimately why I’m playing,” Herbert said.

“The standard of golf in Australia is so strong now that you know you’re going to have to play really well for four days to have a chance.”

The 2026 Ford NSW Open will be held at The Vintage Golf Club from November 12-15, featuring a mixed field of professionals and top amateurs.

The final two rounds of the tournament will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports, with tickets available now for fans wanting to catch the action in person.