Herberts 64 Takes 2-Shot Lead at LIV Golf Virginia

Lucas Herbert of Australia fired an 8-under-par 64 to seize a two-shot lead after the opening round of LIV Golf Virginia on Thursday at Trump National D.C. in Potomac Falls, Virginia.

The 30-year-old, playing his third season on LIV Golf, overcame recent back problems, an illness that limited him to nine practice holes and unfamiliarity with half the course to card eight birdies and an eagle. In LIV's shotgun start, Herbert began on the 15th hole with birdies at 16 and 17. He reached the par-5 second in two shots and sank a 15-foot eagle putt, then added five birdies over a six-hole stretch from Nos. 6-11 to surge atop the leaderboard.

"I don't know that my expectations could have been any lower than what they were today," Herbert said, citing low expectations due to his ailments and swing struggles over the past year. He credited caddie Nick Pugh for guiding him around the Potomac River-edge layout. "It's a big disadvantage really to have not played the course before you head out there," Herbert noted, adding that sticking to his caddie's lines prevented risky plays.

Tied for second at 6-under 66 were Ripper GC teammate Marc Leishman, England's Tyrrell Hatton, Spain's Sergio...