In the week when the Southern Hemisphere has been the center of attention, a celebrity from the LIV Golf circuit has returned to the traditional stage.

Millbrook Resort's New Zealand Open has brought some of the best elite competition, along with a very diverse field of talent from all around the world, to the challenging Coronet and Remarkables courses.

Talking about Lucas Herbert, a member of the all-Australian Ripper GC on the LIV Golf League, who has made a significant impact with a big striking display, making him one of the favorites of the competition.

The Australian professional, who once peaked inside the world's top 50, is using the break in the LIV schedule to pursue more glory and a coveted spot in The Open Championship.

Herbert tied for the lead during the tournament's most significant "moving day" after an incredible third round, which propelled him into the leader's pack.

Regarding the different kind of pressure that comes with competing for a primary exemption, Herbert reflected, "I think it can add a little extra pressure when you're coming down the stretch... knowing there's a major spot."

A Resilient Charge for Major Redemption

Herbert's motivation for returning to Queenstown includes settling old rivalries and finishing as runner-up in this event in 2020 to countryman Brad Kennedy. 

"I was close in 2020 and narrowly missing out like that sticks with you," Herbert said. His words speak to the motivation that drives him to want to win the trophy at the Millbrook Resort for the first time. 

Herbert's participation in the tournament stands out amongst his peers at LIV. These players enjoy the more rewarding lifestyle LIV offers, with less travel and more time off, thanks to a limited number of tournaments.

Unlike most of his peers, Herbert is quite accustomed to traveling to play in tournaments, having won several times on the lucrative DP World and PGA Tours before joining LIV.

Herbert noted the travel, saying, "For Ben and me, we're probably a bit more used to it," referring to his Ripper GC teammate Ben Campbell, who is also competing in the event.

Herbert explained that the primary motivation is to qualify for the year's final major, stating, "Anything I can do to avoid that 36-hole qualifying would be nice."

With the final round approaching, Herbert's "strong fashion" return evokes the rivalrous intensity that characterizes the upper echelons of the LIV Golf field, regardless of their current tour alignment.

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Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu