Defending champion Lucas Herbert doffs cap to 'respectful' Irish Open crowds

Defending Horizon Irish Open champion Lucas Herbert is hopeful that the experience at last year's tournament can put him in contention for a repeat this weekend.

The 26-year-old Australian enjoyed a wire-to-wire victory at Mount Juliet last July and returns to the same course to defend that title.

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

"Obviously, a lot of good memories from last year. We just played nine holes and felt like a trip down memory lane for two hours, talking about all the shots, where the pins were, the crowds.

"My Mum and Dad are here this year, my girlfriend, and I'm explaining what went on last year and I'm sure they don't really care. They were watching it on TV but it felt cool taking a trip down memory lane."

The Irish Open spectators were another aspect that has been fuelling Herbert's positive memories of the event.

"Most of our practice round today we were discussing the crowd, how excited, especially around 14 green, how excited they were getting," he said.

"They are always really respectful. 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. I feel like you can cop it a little bit in America if you're not absolutely perfect.

"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."

A 19-under-par mark proved enough to