Young Australian tamed Kilkenny course to win Irish Open

Australia’s Lucas Herbert won a remarkable Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown, never being headed since he took the lead on Thursday afternoon.

And despite being there the be shot at, the 25-year-old stretched his lead on the final day to win the tournament by a clear three-shots, finishing the tournament on 19 under par.

Despite a shaky start to the round, where Herbert was finding it hard to hit a fairway, his scrambling saw him hold onto his lead and the pressure never came on.

His nearest challenge came from Swede Rikard Karlberg, who stated four shots behind, finishing second on 16 under.

American Johannes Veerman, finished in third, a further shot back on 15 under par.

Best of the Irish players was Shane Lowry on nine under after carding a six-under round. Cormac Sharvin finished tied 33 on seven under.

Graeme McDowell pipped Rory McIlroy by a shot, at -3 and -2 respectively.

Herbert picked up €500,000 for winning the tournament.