Former LIV Golf star makes generous gesture to help struggling Australian businesses

Lucas Herbert is using his return to Australian golf to do something far more meaningful than simply competing for trophies, offering struggling small businesses across the country a valuable platform by proudly displaying their names on his clothing during his home summer swing.

The former LIV Golf player has given away the sponsor space on his apparel free of charge, inviting Australian businesses facing difficult economic conditions to feature on his shirts and hats as he begins a run of events at this week's Ford NSW Open.

But behind the generous gesture is a deeply personal story.

Speaking to Flushing It's Tom Hobbs on Friday, Herbert explained that the decision was driven by the struggles he has witnessed among small business owners, including the devastating loss of a close friend earlier this year.

"Just seeing local business getting destroyed over here makes me sad," Herbert said.

"One of my good friends took his own life in January because he was a small business owner and couldn't take the pressures of working 60 hours a week to keep the lights on any longer.

"I thought it would be better than coming home wearing blank hats and clothes."

Herbert's decision has struck a chord with businesses across Australia. What he initially expected to generate around 50 responses following his social media appeal has instead attracted well over 1,000 messages and expressions of interest.

Among those to benefit has been the Khartoum Hotel in nearby Kitchener, whose co-owner Michael Heathwood was given the opportunity to see his business proudly displayed on Herbert's hat during the opening round.

Heathwood described the opportunity as significant for the struggling Hunter Valley business, revealing that all three owners were keen golfers and had been delighted by Herbert's generosity and willingness to engage personally.

"We are struggling, like every other small business in the region, and we've got three owners who are mad golfers," Heathwood told Golf NSW.

"When we reached out to 'Herby', he was really generous with his responses and with his time, and for our business, it could be really important to get some ongoing momentum with our golf tours in the Hunter Valley."

Herbert has already showcased a variety of local businesses, including lawn care providers, electrical companies and mental health charities, and plans to continue rotating new logos onto his apparel throughout the remainder of his Australian schedule.

The 30-year-old said the initiative was about recognising people working hard to keep their businesses alive, particularly those in regional communities.

"Not just Michael and his mates, but all the guys we've spoken to since we started this, they're all doing it tough, and this is just a small way we can give back to people having a crack around the country," he said.

The gesture comes at a significant point in Herbert's career following the collapse of LIV Golf. 

Herbert has previously admitted he grew tired of the uncertainty surrounding LIV's future, describing the need for something "steady and consistent and reliable".

He also suggested the league may have been better served had former chief executive Greg Norman remained in charge, believing the original vision for LIV had been a significant boost to golf's global reach.

Herbert will likely receive a number of invites to compete on the DP World Tour in 2027. 

For now, however, Herbert's attention remains on home soil, where he is making an impact both on and off the golf course.

After rounds of 68, 67 and 73, the Australian sits tied eighth at the Ford NSW Open, four shots off the lead and firmly in contention heading into the final round.

But while Herbert will undoubtedly be hoping to finish the week with silverware, his contribution may already extend well beyond the leaderboard.

He was also looking forward to visiting the Khartoum Hotel after his round, revealing he was keen to stop by for a parmi and show his support in person.

It's a fitting reflection of an initiative that goes far beyond putting a few local business names on a golf shirt. 

At a time when many small businesses are fighting to stay afloat, Herbert is using his profile to offer a helping hand, provide valuable exposure and remind business owners that they have people in their corner.