Herbert has a Ripper on Day One at NSW Open

LUCAS HERBERT IN TOUCH AFTER ROUND ONE AT NSW OPEN

The opening round at The Vintage Golf Club in the Hunter Valley set the scene for an intriguing 4 days of golf as defending champion Lucas Herbert kicked off his title defence and several others made strong early moves.

Leaders emerge

A pair of Ozzies sit atop the leaderboard after the first round. Lucas Higgins and Lachlan Barker both posted 66 (-5) to share the round one lead. Both made 7 birdies with Barker perhaps slightly more impressive having had to manage the increasing afternoon winds.

Hot on their heels at 67 (-4) are Ben Henkel, Haydn Barron and Dimitrios Papadatos.

Herbert’s defence begins

Lucas Herbert, the 2024 champion, opened with a steady 69 (-2) to sit three shots behind the leaders. After a long break away from competitive action, he described his game as “looked like I hadn’t played golf in three months.”

Starting on the 10th hole he made birdies at the 17th and then the 1st and 2nd but bogeyed the par-4 3rd . He settled into pars after that and will look to sharpen his short game for the weekend. An excellent crowd, including Ozziegolf, followed the Herbert group. Playing with Herbert, local Corey Lamb had a frustrating day on the greens carding +5. He did however manage the best shot of the group for the day when his second at the par five 7th finished a couple of feet from the pin. Unfortunately, and consistent with his putting day, he failed to convert the eagle chance. The third member of the group, newly minted pro Declan O’Donovan played steadily for two over 73.

Herbert looked relaxed and, apart from his bad shots, seemed to be enjoying his day on the course. His playing partners however seemed less at at ease playing with the LIV star, which reflected in their scores

New South Welshman and Monash CC member Nathan Barbieri, leading the Order of Merit on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, opened with an even par 71. He will be looking for an improved performance in round 2 to ensure he plays on the weekend and can pick up valuable points in the OOM.

In short: Day 1 delivered plenty of great golf. The leaderboard is headed by Higgins and Barker, Herbert is firmly in mix as defending champion, and the leader of the OOM is steady. The crowds on day one were great and if Herbert stays near the lead expect big numbers out on course over the weekend.