In summary

  • Lucas Herbert arrives at the Australian Open full of confidence after two LIV Golf wins, a record-breaking 30-under-par victory and a top-50 world ranking return.
  • He's targeting the Stonehaven Cup at Kingston Heath, a course he knows intimately as a member at nearby Commonwealth Golf Club.
  • Herbert will also chase the Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes, keen to add his name to its list of past winners.

Lucas Herbert will hit the Australian Open riding high on confidence after arguably the best year of his career, determined to get a victory he has always dreamed of.

Despite the turbulence which surrounded LIV Golf in 2026, with Herbert’s own management exploring all options amid lingering uncertainty, the Victorian claimed two victories and finished third on the individual standings.

One of those wins was a record-breaker for LIV events; his score of 30-under-par enough for a six-shot victory at LIV UK. 

That came just days after a brilliant tie for sixth at The Open championship, which included a second-round 62 at Royal Birkdale, matching the lowest round ever recorded in men’s major championship history.

Herbert also broke back inside the world’s top 50 and wants to take advantage of his red-hot form when he tees it up at Kingston Heath, where he’s played a lot of golf, in December.

“I feel like my game has continued to move in the right direction this year,” he said.

“I’ve had some really good results on LIV and obviously being in contention right to the end at The Open at Birkdale, and I feel like I’m playing with a lot of confidence.

Lucas Herbert and Ripper GC had strong success in 2026. Photo: Getty Images

“You want to come home at the end of the year playing your best golf, and hopefully I can bring that form to Kingston Heath in December.”

Herbert, who is a member at nearby Commonwealth Golf Club, said his knowledge of the Sandbelt was something he could lean into.  

“I’ve played so much golf at Kingston Heath over the years, that it’s a place I feel incredibly comfortable,” he said.

“I know a lot of the lines off the tees, I know how different shots react around the greens and you get a feel for where you can and can’t miss. That local knowledge is really valuable around a course like Kingston Heath.

“Growing up playing on the Sandbelt, you probably don’t appreciate just how special these places are until you’ve travelled the world and played some of the best courses out there. Coming back here, you realise just how good Kingston Heath is.”

Herbert’s thirst to win the Australian Open is clear and he’s often been in contention.

He finished T18 at Royal Melbourne last year and T5 in the 2024 event at Kingston Heath and Victoria.

 “Winning the Australian Open is something I really want to do,” he said.

“It’s my national open and it’s a tournament I grew up watching and dreaming about winning. I’ve been close before, so I know I’m capable of being in contention.

“To finally get the Stonehaven Cup in my hands would mean an enormous amount to me.”

“I’ve had opportunities here before and obviously I’d love to go one step further.

“You don’t get too many chances to win your national open on a course like Kingston Heath, so when that opportunity comes around, you want to make the most of it.”

Herbert will also play in the Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes, another tournament on his must-win list.    

“You look at the names that are on that trophy and it’s an incredible list of Australian and international golfers,” he said.

“To be able to add my name to that list would be a really special achievement. It’s not just about winning another golf tournament - it’s about becoming part of the history of Australian golf.”