Given the uncertainty facing the future of LIV Golf and its players, Herbert would have been forgiven for getting the yips.<\/p>\n
Instead, the Australian put the pedal to the metal on his way to an eight-under 64 at Trump National in Potomac Falls.<\/p>\n
It earned him a two-shot lead over compatriot Marc Leishman, Tyrrell Hatton, Sergio Garcia and Sebastian Munoz at LIV Golf Virginia.<\/p>\n
Extinguished from his mind on Thursday were the bad thoughts and vibes surrounding the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia’s decision to end its financial support after this year.<\/p>\n
Several LIV golfers are preparing for next week’s PGA Championship, but Herbert is not one of them.<\/p>\n
However, he could qualify for the U.S Open if he holds \u2060on this week – he’s projected to land in the top three of the \u200cindividual season standings \u200bwith a win, and the top three as of May 18 will receive U.S Open exemptions.<\/p>\n
“For about two seconds, I wondered whether a win would be \u200benough to \u200cdo that,” Herbert said.<\/p>\n
“Other than that, no. I got to where I am today pretty much not really caring where I was on the leaderboard; \u200bjust trying to make progress in my game and my golf swing and being in a good frame of mind hitting shots.”<\/p>\n
Herbert, 30, has won \u200con the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Asian Tour, but is still seeking his first LIV title in his third year.<\/p>\n
Herbert’s opening hole in the shotgun start was the 15th, and he managed birdies at Nos.16 and 17 before reaching the green in two at No.2. He holed his 15-foot eagle putt from there.<\/p>\n
A five-birdie run in a six-hole stretch (Nos. 6-11) cemented his trajectory up the leaderboard.<\/p>\n
He eagled the par-5 second hole, even surprising himself how well he went, given he was feeling sick earlier in the week and played only nine holes on a course he had never seen.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f @lhgolf5<\/a> full of praise for Trump National Golf Club after an opening round 64 at LIV Golf Virginia.<\/p>\n Q: “Lucas, well played today, 8-under 64, currently in the lead. Please just take us through the round, how you felt about the course, particularly a course that is viewed as\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/YuqRXNywDE<\/a><\/p>\n