Australian golfer Lucas Herbert delivered an outstanding second-round performance at LIV Golf Virginia on Friday, shooting a flawless 9-under 63 to build a commanding six-stroke lead at Trump National DC in Potomac Falls, Virginia.
Herbert’s exceptional round improved on his already impressive opening day by one stroke, putting him at 17-under par for the tournament. Spain’s Sergio Garcia sits in second place at 11-under after shooting a 67, while England’s Richard Bland claimed third position at 7-under following the day’s second-best round of 66.
The 30-year-old Australian carded nine birdies without a single mistake during his round. His most impressive stretch came between holes 6-12, where he recorded six birdies in seven holes, before closing out his day with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes.
“It was kind of one of those days — probably 36 holes, two of those days — of things that probably just come easy in some respects,” Herbert explained after his round. “To be honest, I probably tried to enjoy it a little bit out there because I was able to in the moment see that that was happening and kind of just be able to sit back and appreciate it a little bit and understand this is pretty not normal. You don’t know how many times as a golfer you’re going to get to experience that kind of feeling.”
Herbert, who has claimed victories on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour, is still chasing his maiden LIV title in his third season with the breakaway league.
The tournament leader revealed he spent Thursday evening with his wife and her family, deliberately avoiding thoughts about his first-round advantage.
“It was kind of good to get away from the fact that I was sitting on a two-shot lead there and think about something else for a while,” Herbert noted. “I think we might be doing something pretty similar the way it worked out overnight.”
Herbert’s outstanding play has also propelled his all-Australian team, Ripper GC, to a six-shot lead in the team standings at 21-under par. The squad, which includes Marc Leishman, Elvis Smylie, and captain Cameron Smith, holds a comfortable margin over both Crushers GC and Cleeks Golf Club.
Garcia mounted a strong finish to his round, collecting birdies on holes 14, 16, 17, and 18. His late surge included impressive putts of 19 feet and 14 feet on the par-3 14th and 16th holes respectively.
“I felt like, if I could shoot 3 under, it would be a really nice round and stuff. I managed to shoot 5, and I’m still far away from the lead,” Garcia commented. “Yeah, it was a good day. Obviously tricky with the wind and everything and the greens getting firmer, but very, very happy with the way I handled it.”
Bland, at 53 years old, is also pursuing his first LIV championship. He started strong with three birdies in his opening five holes, then added three more on his back nine while avoiding any bogeys.
The veteran English golfer discussed his approaching retirement plans, indicating his competitive days are numbered.
“I kind of earmarked next year would probably be my last year of playing full-time, as I do right now. Then going forward, really kind of scattered, but play where I want to play… So, yeah, semi-retirement, it’s getting a lot nearer — and that’s fine. I’m OK with that. I’ve had one helluva ride out here and the best decision I ever made.”
Notable players Bryson DeChambeau and Spain’s Jon Rahm both struggled with 70s on Friday, leaving them tied for seventh at 5-under par as they prepare for next week’s PGA Championship.
