Lucas Herbert has booked his place at The Open Championship after a superb performance at the New Zealand Open.
The Australian finished solo second at 20 under par to secure qualification for Royal Birkdale later this year.
After opening with a 70, Herbert surged through the field with rounds of 65, 62, and 67.
It marks another strong result in what has quietly become one of his most consistent stretches of form.
Herbert's week was built on an explosive middle stretch. Following his opening 70, he shot 19 under par across the final three rounds to climb into contention.
Rounds of 65 and 62 put him firmly in the mix before a closing 67 secured solo second at 20 under.
Daniel Hillier claimed victory at 22 under, but the New Zealander already held an exemption into The Open. That left Herbert's runner-up finish enough to clinch one of the qualifying spots.
"Very nice to get it done this early!" Herbert told Flushing It Golf. "My legs are thanking me right now for avoiding the 36-hole qualifier!!"
The comment referenced last year's path to The Open , when Herbert had to progress through Final Qualifying. This year, the job is done well in advance.
Perhaps surprisingly, this will be just Herbert's third major appearance since 2023 following his move to LIV Golf .
The result continues a consistent run of performances worldwide. In his last five starts, Herbert has finished T5, T18, T9, T6, and now second.
The momentum arrives at an important time in his season. He will travel to Hong Kong next as he looks to extend that run and build confidence ahead of the summer's major championship.
Qualification for The Open removes uncertainty from his schedule and provides validation of his competitive sharpness.
With form trending in the right direction, Herbert returns to golf's oldest major carrying both rhythm and belief.
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