Lucas Herbert beat Aaron Cockerill in a play-off to win the DP World Tour’s ISPS Handa Championship in Japan.
The 27-year-old Frenchman got the job done at the second extra hole, recovering from an errant tee-shot before holing from 12 feet to secure his second win on Europe’s top tier tour.
Extra holes were required at Ishioka Golf Club after both players finished the tournament on 15 under par following a thrilling final round.
After Herbert had narrowly missed his 20-foot birdie try at the 18th, Cockerill played the 72nd hole knowing a birdie would be enough to clinch his first title. But having found the fairway with a perfect drive, Canadian Cockerill sent his second shot into a greenside bunker – and it looked like Herbert had the advantage. Cockerill produced a stunning recovery from the sand, though, almost holing his bunker shot before tapping in for a par to force a play-off.
Both men were just off the green after two shots at the first extra hole, with Herbert slightly further back in the fringe. After Herbert missed his birdie try, Cockerill’s effort looked to be heading in before an agonising lip-out extended the contest.
Despite sending his tee-shot into the trees, Herbert managed to knock his second shot onto the green and roll in the putt to claim the title.
Scotland’s Calum Hill was alone in third on 14 under after his closing 65, one shot ahead of countryman Grant Forrest and Japan’s Hiroshi Iwata. Another Scot, Bob McIntyre, fired a closing 64 to move into a share of sixth.
Lucas Herbert WITB
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus 10.5° driver
- TaylorMade Stealth Plus 15° 3-wood
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus 18° 5-wood
- TaylorMade P·770 (4), TaylorMade P·7TW irons (5-PW)
- TaylorMade MG3 wedges (50°, 56° , 60°)
- TaylorMade Spider X HydroBlast putter
- TaylorMade TP5 ball
The post Herbert prevails in play-off to claim ISPS Handa Championship appeared first on Golf News.
Leave a comment