Lucas Herbert arrived at LIV Golf Virginia feeling sick and unsure how much energy he had for the week ahead. By Sunday evening, the Australian walked away with the biggest reward of his season.

Herbert won the tournament at 24-under on Sunday in Washington, D.C., earning a long-awaited return to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for the 2026 U.S. Open.

"Yeah, there was so many things that came with winning today," Herbert said. "I just wanted to focus on what I was doing and then spend this moment now figuring out what comes with it. That's a nice added bonus. My first major ever was at Shinnecock. Nice to go back and see what I've learned since then. Can't wait to get there and try to play like I did this week."

Herbert shot rounds of 64, 63, 68, and 69 to finish at 24-under for the tournament. He led from start to finish and won by four shots over Sergio Garcia. Bryson DeChambeau finished third at 19-under. The USGA awarded a U.S. Open spot to the top LIV Golf points earner not already exempt, and Herbert claimed it.

He battled flu symptoms throughout the week. He didn't even see the front nine before Thursday's opening round. Still, he built a five-shot lead heading into the final day.

Then came the ninth hole. He missed the green, and his chip shot rolled back off the putting surface. He then missed his bogey putt. On the same hole, Sergio Garcia made a 30-foot putt.

In just a few minutes, a five-shot lead was cut to two. One hole later, Garcia made a birdie on the 10th, and suddenly the lead was down to just one shot.

How Caddie Nick Pugh Guided Herbert Through His Toughest Week

Caddie Nick Pugh has been with Lucas Herbert for almost every win of his professional career. Sunday was no different, and Herbert made sure everyone knew how important Pugh was.

"We just had such a laugh out there," Herbert said. "He's amazing. There's not a good enough word I can speak about him. He deserves it as much as I do."

Nick Pugh helped Lucas Herbert stay calm after his double bogey on the ninth hole, a moment that could have changed the entire round.

But Herbert responded strongly. He also became the latest player from Ripper GC to win an individual LIV title, joining Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, and Elvis Smylie.

The victory moved Herbert up to No. 89 in the Official World Golf Ranking. It also pushed him to third place in the LIV Golf season standings, behind Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav