Lucas Herbert proud after running Rory McIlroy close in Austin - Articles

Lucas Herbert was proud of himself after running Rory McIlroy close before bowing out at the last-16 stage of the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

The Australian forced World Number Three McIlroy to work extremely hard for his two-hole victory in a high-quality match on Saturday, with the Northern Irishman making a total of nine birdies.

McIlroy never trailed in the contest but was unable to relax, with Herbert playing some tremendous golf to keep the pressure on his opponent.

The 27-year-old looked set to level the match at the 17th after he drained a monster birdie putt from the edge of the green, but McIlroy then holed his clutch seven-foot putt to stay one ahead with one hole to play.

And a remarkable tee-shot at the last helped McIlroy increase his winning margin to two holes.

Herbert was proud of his performance against a player he feels is the best in the world.

He said: "I got beaten by the best player in the world probably playing the best golf of anyone.

"I've got nothing but just pride for the way I played. Pushed him all the way to the end. I just didn't feel like there was a lot more I could have done. I played really, really nicely.