Lucas Herbert delivered a stellar performance at the Australian Open in Melbourne, shooting a bogey-free eight-under-par 63 to claim the opening-round lead. The Australian capped his round with a dramatic eagle on the 18th, overshadowing LIV Golf teammate Cameron Smith, who trails by two strokes.
Herbert, starting on the 10th tee, sunk six birdies before his eagle at Kingston Heath, setting a blistering pace at the second event of the DP World Tour’s 2025 season. “I felt like there were still shots left out there,” Herbert remarked. “I didn’t hole as many as I wanted, but I hit it quite nicely overall.”
Leaderboard – Men’s Division
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Lucas Herbert | -8 (63) |
| T2 | Rintaro Nakaro | -7 (64) |
| T2 | Ryggs Johnson | -7 (64) |
| T6 | Cameron Smith (LIV) | -6 (65) |
Nakaro, Japan’s 2023 amateur champion, carded eight birdies but fell to second after a bogey at the last. Smith, chasing his first Australian Open title, surged back from a slow start with six consecutive birdies, leaving him tied with three others at six-under.
At stake for the men is more than glory, as the top three finishers will secure spots in the 2024 British Open at Royal Portrush.
Women’s Division: Su Oh and Yang Hyo-jin Share Lead
In the women’s tournament, Australia’s Su Oh and South Korea’s Yang Hyo-jin share the lead at six-under 66. Oh, buoyed by nine birdies, reflected on her hard work paying off: “I’m just happy and proud. The last few months, I’ve felt I was hitting the ball a lot better.”
South Korean major winner Hannah Green sits just one shot back, while defending champion Ashleigh Buhai struggled with a 73, leaving her seven strokes off the pace.
Leaderboard – Women’s Division
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| T1 | Su Oh | -6 (66) |
| T1 | Yang Hyo-jin | -6 (66) |
| 3rd | Hannah Green | -5 (67) |
The Mixed Format in Focus
The Australian Open’s unique mixed format sees men and women teeing off in alternating groups across Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club. While Kingston Heath remains the centerpiece for all four days, the innovative format showcases equal opportunities and world-class golf on the same stage.
With unpredictable weather and high stakes—including British Open places for the men—players across both divisions will look to elevate their games in the coming rounds.
