OMITAMA, Japan – Australian Lucas Herbert outlasted Canada’s Aaron Cockerill to win the Handa Championship on the second extra hole Sunday for his third world tour title.
The pair finished the final round tied on 15-under 265 after Herbert just missed a birdie putt from 20 feet on the 18th for a 67. Cockerill had a chance to take advantage but saw his second shot on the last find a bunker and was lucky to save his par and force the playoff after a closing-round 68.
🚨 Play-off 🚨@A_Cockerill recovers in superb fashion on 18 to force a play-off with @lhgolf5 🏆
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) April 23, 2023
Back to 18 we go…#ISPSHandaChampionship pic.twitter.com/9mW3Vw764x
After both players made par at the first extra hole, Herbert did well to recover from a wayward tee shot on the second extra to secure his first win since the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open title in 2021.
Cockerill, a 31-year old Manitoba native, was looking for his first victory on the DP World Tour. The runner-up finish ties he best result, as he also finished second at the 2022 Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa.
Scotland’s Calum Hill took sole third place with a 14-under 266 despite shooting a tidy 5-under 65 in the final round.