Lucas Herbert beat Aaron Cockerill in a playoff to win the ISPS Handa Championship on the DP World Tour in Japan.
The 27-year-old Frenchman got the job done on the second extra hole, recovering from a botched putt before bogeying a 12-foot putt for his second win on the Tour of Europe.
Additional holes were required at Ishioka Golf Club after both players finished the tournament 15-under-par after a thrilling final round.
After Herbert narrowly missed his 20-foot birdie attempt on the 18th, Cockerell played the 72nd hole knowing that a birdie would be enough to clinch his first title. But, having successfully found the right lane with a perfect drive, Canadian Cockerell sent his second shot into the dugout on the green – and Herbert seemed to have the advantage. Cockerill produced a stunning rebound from the sand, though, nearly busting his own bunting shot before taking advantage of the equalizer to force a playoff.
Both men were off the green after two putts on the first extra hole, with Herbert backing slightly on the sidelines. After Herbert missed his birdie attempt, Cockerell’s efforts appeared to be headed before he widened his painfully open lips.
Despite sending his shot into the trees, Herbert was able to land his second shot on the green and roll it into the putt to claim the title.
Scotland’s Calum Hill single-handedly finished third with a 14-under 65, one shot behind compatriot Grant Forrest and Japan’s Hiroshi Iwata. Another Scot, Bob McIntyre, shot a shutout 64 to go into the sixth.
Lucas Herbert WITB
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus 10.5″ software
- TaylorMade Stealth Plus 15° 3-wood
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus 18° 5-wood
- TaylorMade P 770 (4), TaylorMade P 7TW (5-PW) irons
- TaylorMade MG3 Wedges (50°, 56°, 60°)
- TaylorMid Spider X Hydro Blast racquet
- The TaylorMade TP5 made a ball