Lucas Herbert closed out a commanding performance at the US$2 million International Series Japan presented by Moutai with a sensational eagle on the 18th hole for the second consecutive day. The 29-year-old Australian captured his first Asian Tour and International Series title with a five-shot victory after a dazzling seven-under-par 64 at Caledonian Golf Club in Chiba.

Herbert finished the tournament at 20-under-par, well clear of co-leaders Yuta Sugiura and Younghan Song, who both ended at 15-under. Despite Sugiura’s third bogey-free round of the week, a cold putter limited him to a 69, while Song salvaged a birdie on the last to tie for second place.

Herbert’s Dramatic Charge to Victory

Herbert’s path to victory was paved by a stunning late charge in the third round, where he erased a five-shot deficit in the final three holes. Two eagles to close Saturday’s round gave him a share of the lead, which he capitalized on with Sunday’s low round of the day, highlighted by seven birdies and another eagle on the last.

The Australian’s only blemishes were bogeys on the sixth and fifteenth, but his tee-to-green consistency and red-hot thrift-store putter carried him across the line. With just 23 putts in the final round and strong driving using his new Titleist GT3, Herbert dominated in all facets.

Sugiura and Song Fall Short in Final Round

Sugiura, one of Japan’s rising stars, stayed in contention throughout but lamented missed birdie opportunities over the four days. “I think I played good golf for four days,” said the 23-year-old. “My putting didn’t go as well as I wanted, but I hit some good shots.”

Song began the final round with an eagle to take the early lead but faded with bogeys on the back nine. “Lucas putted really well and there’s no doubt he was the better player today,” said the 33-year-old Korean.

Tringale, Winaicharoenchai, and Takeyasu Finish Strong

American Cameron Tringale finished solo fourth at 14-under thanks to a 15-foot eagle putt on 18. Thailand’s Atiruj Winaicharoenchai and Japan’s Shunya Takeyasu tied for fifth at 13-under after rounds of 65 and 67, respectively.

Herbert’s win catapults him to the top of both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings. It also marked his first international victory since the 2023 ISPS Handa Championship in Japan and continued his stellar LIV Golf form, where he currently ranks fifth in the season standings.