Lucas Herbert Extends LIV Golf UK Lead as Ripper GC Stays on Top

Posted : 25 July 2026

Lucas Herbert remained the player to beat at LIV Golf UK after extending his lead through 36 holes with another outstanding performance at JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester.

The Australian followed his opening-round course-record 61 with a six-under-par 66 to reach 17-under overall. Although he admitted the second round did not feel as effortless as his historic opening day, Herbert recovered strongly on the back nine to maintain control of the tournament.

Herbert's round included seven birdies, three bogeys and an eagle. After an inconsistent front nine, he found his rhythm over the closing holes to pull further clear of the chasing pack.

Reflecting on his performance, Herbert said it was important to keep his earlier record-breaking round in perspective.

"If you hadn't played that round yesterday, you wouldn't have been too upset with today. I still played decent," Herbert said.

The Australian also praised his ability to build momentum during the closing stretch instead of allowing mistakes to derail his round, something he admitted had affected him in previous tournaments.

Bryson DeChambeau remains Herbert's closest challenger after carding a five-under 67 to move to 13-under overall. The Crushers GC captain sits four shots behind the leader and continues to keep himself within striking distance heading into the final two rounds.

Despite holding a comfortable advantage, Herbert dismissed suggestions that the title race had become a battle between himself and DeChambeau.

"We're only halfway. We have a lot of golf to go. I would love to make it a two-horse race with Bryson on Sunday, or maybe a one-horse race if I can," Herbert said.

England's Tyrrell Hatton strengthened his position in third place after a four-under 68 lifted him to 10-under. The Legion XIII player admitted his putting had not been at its best, particularly on left-to-right putts, but remained pleased to be firmly in contention in front of the home supporters.

Byeong Hun An and Harold Varner III share fourth place at nine-under after matching rounds of 68. Australians Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman are among a group tied at eight-under alongside Peter Uihlein and Dean Burmester, keeping themselves within reach of the leaders.

Ripper GC also continued to dominate the team competition. Herbert's excellent form, combined with strong rounds from Smith, Leishman and Travis Smyth, pushed the Australian team to 37-under overall.

Crushers GC sits second at 28-under, while Legion XIII climbed into third at 19-under thanks to Hatton's consistent play. Southern Guards GC occupies fourth place at 12-under after another solid performance led by Burmester.

With two rounds remaining, Herbert holds the advantage in both the individual and team competitions. However, DeChambeau, Hatton and several experienced contenders remain well placed to challenge as LIV Golf UK heads into a decisive weekend.

Lucas Herbert Extends LIV Golf UK Lead as Ripper GC Stays on Top

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