Former Irish Open champion Lucas Herbert knows he will need to be at his best and catch Rory McIlroy on an off day if he is to pull off an upset at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play on Saturday.
Herbert won all three of his matches against Tyrrell Hatton, Russell Henley and Ben Griffin to book a last-16 berth with McIlroy in Austin, Texas in what will be just his second outing with the world number three.
“I’m sure that won’t be an easy match. I’m sure. Look, it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’ve only played with Rory once. I played with him on Saturday in Phoenix. Probably the biggest crowd you’ll ever play with Rory in the same group with, I would imagine so.
“It’s going to be fun. He’s a great player. If he turns up with his A game I think I’m in a lot of trouble. But if he doesn’t, I’m looking for the fight.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a fun challenge all the way.”
The Aussie is a fine player in his own right and is a PGA Tour winner. And lately he has shown a lot of form – all bad. His best finish on the PGA Tour this year is a share of 50th in Phoenix while he had missed back-to-back cuts entering the Match Play including when he propped up the field at the PLAYERS Championship with rounds of 82 and 85.
The world number 56 hopes he can keep up his newfound form and take a massive scalp.
“I would hope so, but I mean, I don’t think anyone in the world beats Rory if he turns up with his A game tomorrow. I don’t care whether it’s me or a 15 handicapper down the road or Jon Rahm. He’s just that good.
“So, I need him to help me out a little bit. But yeah, if I play like I did today, it could be a good match.”
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