Lucas Herbert harbouring special memories ahead of Ireland defence

Lucas Herbert is hoping the memories of his victory 12 months ago can inspire him to a successful defence at the 2022 Horizon Irish Open.

The Australian claimed a wire-to-wire victory last season at Mount Juliet Estate but he did not have it all his own way, birdieing two of his last four holes to get his hands on the trophy after being in a tie for the lead stood on the 15th tee.

Since then he has also claimed a maiden victory on the PGA TOUR and while he has not been entirely pleased with his form of late, he is enjoying being back in County Kilkenny.

"It's pretty sweet," he said. "Just getting around the property, seeing it all again, bringing back memories from last year, it's pretty nice. Pretty special.

"Just a lot of good memories, obviously. Played four really good days of golf.

"I feel like I've watched the highlights so many times, all the pins are right there in the back of my memory so distinctly. It's been kind of nice to get back and just have a bit of a stroll down memory lane.

"This year it's just finding that consistency has been tough. I feel I turned a little bit of a corner, the game feels like I have the ability to hit the shots.

"I don't know how it's going to go this week and going forward but it's always a bit of a work-in-progress. But I feel like we've turned a corner and moved into a bit of the next phase.

"Been playing bigger events on harder golf courses over there in the US and it's pretty easy to beat yourself up.

"But it would be nice to get back here and feel like we get that confidence back from last year, some good memories from this course. Hopefully that gets back on track a little bit."

Everyone on Tour knows they are some of the best crowds on Tour. They appreciate good golf when they see it

The island of Ireland's national open has long been one of the most anticipated events on the DP World Tour and with bumper crowds lining the fairways, Herbert is looking forward to playing in front of the Irish fans.

"They are always really respectful," he said. "Obviously they were getting pretty vocal for me last year but I feel like they are really respectful. They knew when to clap and when not to and in terms of what a good shot looked like.

"This week and the next two weeks in Scotland and The Open, everyone on Tour knows they are some of the best crowds on Tour. They appreciate good golf when they see it.

"It's something I'm definitely looking forward to having around again this year."