Ripping golfer chases Oz titles

IN A year where Ripper was number one team on the LIV circuit, Bendigo-raised golfer Lucas Herbert will soon chase victory in two of Australia’s biggest tournaments.

The 28-year-old tuned up for his latest ‘Oz’ campaign by teeing off in this week’s New South Wales Open at Murray Downs.

A return to tournament action followed a five-week break spent relaxing, but also included a “golfing trip” with some close matches in New Zealand.

After teeing off near the snow-capped mountains in what was dubbed “friendly competition” in Queenstown, Herbert is focused on the upcoming Australian PGA and Australian Open.

The PGA will be played at Royal Queensland on November 21-24.

Four days later and the Australian Open hits off at Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club.

A three-time champion on the European Tour and once on the PGA, Herbert’s powerful driving is his greatest strength.

It’s been so since his early days of playing golf at Neangar Park, Bendigo and Axedale.

“Improving my accuracy from the tee is something I have to keep working at.”

The golfing ace put all of his winnings from being Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year across 2020 and ’21, and a percentage of this year’s prize pool from LIV Golf into another round of the Lucas Herbert golfing scholarship.

Being at the scholarship presentation at Red Energy Arena was lso a chance to give some tips to the region’s rising stars and chat about their golfing goals.

He was also near the Basil Ashman Hall of Fame which recognises many of the region’s top performers and contributors across many sports.

Nearing a decade as a professional golfer, Herbert rated this year’s golf among the best of his career.

His debut season with LIV and Team Ripper included success in Adelaide and Singapore, and team championship finale in Dallas.

He will play in Saudi Arabia in early December before he returns to the United States for Christmas-New Year holidays with his partner, Erika and family/s.

Ripper will ride the wave of support when LIV returns to The Grange on February 14 to 16 in Adelaide.