Herbert’s Dubai win paying off with WGC debut

Lucas Herbert’s breakthrough win in Dubai a few weeks back was reason enough for celebration, however the side benefits of such a victory may well prove to be worth a whole lot more.

The 24-year-old has confirmed he will be making his way to Mexico next week for the US$10.5 million WGC-Mexico Championship.

Lucas Herbert with the Dubai Desert Classic (Credit: European Tour)

Joining Herbert in the rarefied air at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City, which sits more than 2km above sea level, will be 2019 Australasian PGA Tour OOM winner, Ryan Fox, who finished runner-up at last week’s Vic Open.

Alongside Herbert and Fox will be the likes of Adam Scott, who won the 2016 title when it was played at Doral in Florida, Jason Day, Marc Leishman, Cameron Smith, Zach Murray and Scott Hend.

“It’s very nice now to get the opportunity to go and play a WGC event,” said Herbert in an interview on Melbourne’s RSN earlier this week.

“Obviously everyone kind of talks about the cash, too. There’s no cut. I think the last place cheque was about US$48,000. So you’re sort of guaranteed that for teeing it up for the week.”

“It’s obviously one of the best fields that you’re going to get for the year – there are not many players who are going to say no to a WGC event.”

“Getting to play these WGC events and now with the Race to Dubai I can hopefully play a couple of majors and then at the end of the year play the playoff events.”

“That gives you the chance to play with a bit more freedom and not be too worried about what happens if things don’t go too well for you each week.”

“It gives me a good opportunity this year to take my game to the next level.”

The full interview can be heard on www.rsn.net.au.