Australian Lucas Herbert beat Canadian Aaron Cockerill on the second play-off hole to win the 2023 ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan on the DP World Tour.
This win is Herbert’s third win on the DP World Tour, having previously won the 2020 Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the 2021 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
Herbert started the final day at 12 under par, one shot behind the overnight leader Cockerill.
Extra holes needed
The scores in regulation play weren’t as low as they had been throughout the week at PGM Ishioka Golf Club. Cockerill signing for a 2 under 68 and Herbert a 3 under 67, both finishing on 15 under par total, meaning extra holes were needed.
Back to the 18th tee it was for the pair, and with both players approaches to the green running through to the semi rough they both had agonizing lip-outs for birdies.
On the second extra hole, Herbert’s tee shot when right into the trees, but still managed to put his approach onto the green. With Cockerill reaching the green in regulation also, he gave himself a harder job of making birdie to apply some pressure on Herbert, which he failed to convert.
This meant the door was open for Lucas to roll in his putt and claim the trophy.
A win for Herbert which has extra meaning as he began the 2023 season being sponsored by the title sponsor of the event, ISPS Handa. ‘It's great. Obviously coming on board as an ambassador for ISPS Handa this year, it's great to win an event with them as the title sponsor. And just to be back in Japan and win as well. I've come here so many times and loved it so to get back here and win, it means a lot.
‘I think it's cool to be able to win everywhere and have a lot of good memories from all the spots in the world where you have played.’
This win moves Herbert up to 4th on the Race to Dubai Rankings, which is being led by Rory McIlroy.
Scotland’s Calum Hill finished alone in third on 14 under par after a final round of 65, one shot ahead of fellow countryman Grant Forrest and Japan’s Hiroshi Iwata.
Another positive for the week was with ISPS Handa donating $1,000 for every eagle made during the tournament to the G4D Tour, the tally reached at $40,000 by the end of the week.
Next up for the DP World Tour is the Korea Championship Presented by Genesis at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, in Incheon, South Korea.
