A stunning eagle on the last hole catapulted Lucas Herbert above pre-tournament favourite Cameron Smith and into the first-round lead at the Australian Open.
Herbert’s blistering 63 at co-host Victoria Golf Club, which was softened by heavy rain, was highlighted by an unlikely eagle at the par-5 ninth having pulled his tee shot into a tricky position.
“I had to squeeze a 3-wood and turn it (draw) right to left… when I looked up and people were clapping, I figured it was at least on the green,” Herbert said after his round. “To (eventually) see it pretty close to the hole and to roll it in for eagle was a nice way to finish the round.”
At eight-under, Herbert led Japan amateur Rintaro Nakano and unheralded American Ryggs Johnston by one shot. Smith, who also played Victoria GC on Thursday, threw his hat into the ring with a 65 that left him two back of Herbert. The 2022 British Open champion Smith was six-under alongside Kazuma Kobori, Oliver Lindell and Jordan Gumberg.
On the eve of the tournament, Smith had blasted tournament officials for leaving Kingston Heath “soft and slow” compared to the firm and fast layout he was looking forward to. He said Kingston Heath better resembled American-style target golf this week, and that the rain being the sole cause was a “bullshit excuse.” Kingston Heath is co-hosting the event with Victoria but will serve as exclusive venue on the third and fourth rounds.
He made bogey on his third hole at Victoria GC on Thursday, where he had began the round at the 10th, but went on a tear with six straight birdies from the 14th to the first. He had eight birdies and two bogeys.
“It was a pretty solid slow start after an early (alarm),” Smith said. “I finally woke up and the coffee worked when I got on a good roll through the turn. I didn’t do much wrong from the (birdie at the 14th). The greens staff did an awesome job (at getting rid of water after heavy rain on Sunday and Wednesday).”
Smith said several golfers gave him good feedback on his criticism on Wednesday of the “soft and slow” Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Clubs. He anticipates the winning, four-round total score will be well into double digits under par.
“A lot of players liked it, yep. Haven’t heard from anyone else (tournament officials) yet,” Smith said. “I feel like I’ve told them before and really haven’t got much back.
“The rain yesterday didn’t help, but it was same as start of the week (when) the greens were quite receptive and good for scoring. If it stays like this (the winning score) will be close to 20-under, if there’s no wind. Hopefully, it firms up a little bit and is a tougher test but … I can’t really see that happening.”
Smith now has three rounds at Kingston Heath as he tries to reel in Herbert and secure a maiden Australian Open victory. Smith has won three Australian PGA titles but his best Australian Open result is a T-2 after losing in a playoff to Jordan Spieth in 2016.
Two weeks ago on the Murray River, Smith finished T-2 to Herbert at the NSW Open when his LIV Golf teammate strode to a three-shot win. “Hopefully,” Smith said when asked if he’d like to get one back on Herbert. “There’s three days left. Lucas is playing some really good golf. Leish (Marc Leishman) is also playing good and it’s going to be a good weekend.”
