Australia’s Lucas Herbert opened the International Series Japan with a spectacular nine-under-par 62 at Caledonian Golf Club, seizing a two-shot lead. He did it using a second-hand Code 01 Forged putter bought from a thrift shop in Korea just last week.

Herbert was nearly unstoppable through the front nine, draining six birdies and an eagle in the first seven holes. The highlight came on the par-five second where he hammered a five-wood to 20 feet and calmly rolled in the eagle putt.

The 29-year-old LIV Golf Ripper GC star went bogey-free and tied the course record set in 2017 by Tadahiro Takayama. He admitted a slow finish over the last four holes likely cost him a historic sub-60 round.

Herbert’s putting was electric early on and gave him the confidence to attack pins throughout the round. He credited the thrift shop find for reigniting his form, having lost his beloved C-groove putter years earlier.

Takeyasu Trails With 64, Song Nails Ace for 65

Japan’s Shunya Takeyasu turned in a flawless 64 to sit in solo second behind Herbert. He started on the back nine and caught fire around the turn with three straight birdies and another on the par-five seventh.

The 32-year-old former ADT winner has found late-season form with four top-10s and a T11 in his last seven Japan Golf Tour events. He said his improvement comes down to major work on his putting stroke over the past year.

Takeyasu also noted that his early Asian Tour experience helped develop his mental toughness. He recalled managing his own caddies and accommodation as pivotal in shaping his professional maturity.

Korea’s Younghan Song sits one shot further back after a 65, aided by a hole-in-one on the sixth. The 2016 Singapore Open champion said it was his first ace in 14 years and called the feeling “indescribable.”

Imahira and Tringale Among Chasing Pack at 66

Japan’s Shugo Imahira, a former world No. 30, carded a 66 to remain in striking distance of Herbert. He was joined at four-under by Ren Yonezawa, Jose Toledo, Cameron Tringale, and Atiruj Winaicharoenchai.

Imahira is working to rediscover the form that once made him one of Japan’s premier golfers. The strong start is a promising sign as he looks to climb the leaderboard in his home country.

American LIV Golf standout Cameron Tringale also impressed with his controlled round. Meanwhile, Toledo of Guatemala quietly put together one of his best performances of the season.

Leaderboard Heats Up as Stars Jockey for Position

Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena shot 67 to stay within reach, tied with Japan’s Yosuke Asaji and Yuta Sugiura. A large group sits at 68, including players from Korea, Argentina, England, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, South Africa, and the USA.

Chase Koepka opened with a 69 and trails by seven, part of a congested middle pack. Other notable names like Jazz Janewattananond, Yuta Ikeda, and Jeunghun Wang all posted even-par 71s.

The opening round has already delivered drama and standout storylines, led by Herbert’s unexpected heroics with a second-hand putter. With three rounds to go, the chase for the International Series Japan title is wide open.