LUCAS Herbert expects the experience of playing his first professional tournament will hold him in good stead for this week’s Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast.
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Herbert missed the cut at the Australian Masters at Huntingdale a fortnight ago and has worked hard on his game since.
“I’ve been working on some things and it seems as though I’m getting better and better each day,’’ Herbert said.
“I’m more confident this week that I can play well.”
Herbert was far from disgraced at his professional debut. He bounced back strongly from a horror four-hole patch midway through his second round to make a string of birdies on his back inward nine holes.
“I struggled to hole any putts on the first day. I gave myself plenty of chances to make birdies, but I couldn’t convert,’’ Herbert said.
“On the second day I had a four-hole patch where everything went pear-shaped. I struggled to get out of it, but when I did I made a few birdies.”
Herbert needs a strong showing at this week’s $1,750,000 event to give himself a chance of earning enough money to guarantee his Australasian PGA Tour card for 2016.
“I’d really like to finish top 25 this week and kick myself into gear rolling into a busy summer,’’ Herbert said.
“I’ve got the NSW PGA Championship next week as well. If I need to the first stage of the Australasian tour school is after that.”
Herbert had a practice round at Royal Pines on Monday and liked what he saw.
“I haven’t been a huge fan of Queensland courses, but I really enjoyed this course,’’ he said.
“It’s long and tough, but it’s a good lay-out. I really enjoy playing it and I think it suits me.
“It’s a different course to what you get in Melbourne, but the greens are quick and similar to what I’m used to.”
Herbert has a 12.15pm tee time on Thursday alongside Craig Parry and Rhys Enoch.
Fellow Bendigo professionals Andrew Martin and Kris Mueck will be looking to find their best form at the Australian PGA.
Martin and Mueck missed the cut at the Australian Masters and at last week’s Australian Open in Sydney.
Mueck enjoys the Royal Pines layout, having fired 71 and 68 in the first two rounds last year to put himself in contention.
He eventually finished tied for 51st, 15 shots behind winner Greg Chalmers.
Martin and Mueck both have afternoon tee times on Thursday.