Lucas Herbert can't wait to make his major championship debut after a dominant victory at US Open qualifying, where he came within a whisker of equalling a course record held by golf legend Ben Hogan.
A bogey early on the back nine of his second round at 36-hole qualifying in Oregon prevented the Bendigo youngster from equalling Portland Golf Club's course record 63, which Hogan shot in 1945.
But the 22-year-old's seven-under-par 64 earned him at 12-under total and a three-shot win at the Portland site, where four US Open spots were up for grabs.
Knowing he was in pole position midway through the second 18, world No.152 Herbert says he learned how to manage a big lead under the gun.
"My execution was where it needed to be and I was able to hit a lot of really good shots under pressure," Herbert told AAP on Tuesday.
"The way I handled myself in the lead was really pleasing, too, because I knew I was four or five shots inside the (qualifying number) with 10 or so holes to play.
"My caddie and I decided we would hit safe shots into the middle of each green, take a two-putt at worst and let the other guys come can catch me."
Herbert, who is also exempt for the British Open at Carnoustie next month, is licking his lips at his first appearance on golf's biggest stage.
"I'm pretty pumped to make my major championship debut, it's definitely something you dream about as a kid growing up and playing golf," Herbert said.
"I had a few drinks to celebrate last night as it is a proud moment, and my phone went off with a ton of messages and emails from back home in Bendigo."
The former amateur star will head to the iconic Shinnecock Hills on New York's Long Island on Sunday, where he will begin practice rounds.
"I can remember watching the 2004 US Open at Shinnecock on TV, when (winner) Retief Goosen beat Phil (Mickelson) by two shots," Herbert said.
"I've heard such great things about Shinnecock and I'm really keen to see the course for the first time and get settled in."
Meanwhile, five Australians will tee up in this week's US PGA Tour event in Memphis, Tennessee - the last event before the US Open's final world rankings cut-off.
Aaron Baddeley and Matt Jones secured their place at Shinnecock via sectional qualifying on Monday.
However, even a victory at the FedEx St Jude Classic would not be enough for world No.851 Stuart Appleby, Greg Chalmers (No.533) and Cameron Percy (No.509) to crack the top 60 golfers who automatically qualify for the US Open on June 11.
Share
