Joaquin Niemann Claims Victory, Anthony Kim Finds Last Place at LIV Jeddah
Joaquin Niemann has done it again. With a four-shot victory at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, the Chilean has now claimed wins at two of LIV Golf’s three events this season.
Niemann, 25, posted a 17-under total at LIV Jeddah, capped off by a final-round 66 and highlighted by an opening-round 63.
Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and his fellow South African Charl Schwartzel tied for second place at 13 under, while Bryson DeChambeau snuck into third with a 62 on Sunday. DeChambeau’s Crushers GC took home the team title.
MORE: Full payouts from LIV Golf Jeddah
But Niemann, who has been on an increasingly impressive hot streak in recent months, ended the week on top of LIV’s podium again.
Niemann’s recent on-course success extends beyond the Saudi-backed tour. The two-time PGA Tour winner has traveled across the globe to play in events recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (LIV Golf is not) in order to earn his way into major championships. And so far, that is exactly what he has done.
In December, Niemann won the Australian Open to earn a spot into the 2024 Open Championship. He went on to post two top-5 finishes on the DP World Tour before the LIV Golf season commenced. His stellar play did not go unnoticed: the Masters extended Niemann a special invitation. But Niemann is still ranked No. 72 on the OWGR.
After his win, a LIV golf commentator told Niemann that he is now a “favorite” to win a major championship this season. The Chilean once again poked fun of the world golf ranking predicament.
“How is that possible if I’m like 100 in the world?”
JOACO WINS LIV GOLF JEDDAH ????
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 3, 2024
This is his second LIV Golf win this season ????#LIVGolf @joaconiemann pic.twitter.com/0ytG7fAOFm
At the other end of LIV Golf’s leaderboard sat Anthony Kim, the 38-year-old cult hero who made his comeback to professional golf this week after a 12-year hiatus. Kim disappeared after playing his last PGA Tour event at the 2012 Wells Fargo and walking away from the competitive game due to a series of injuries.
With scores of 76-76-74, Kim finished in last place by 11 strokes. Despite the rusty performance, Kim maintained that there were positives to take away from his long-awaited debut.
He played his final 14 holes in Jeddah at 1 over par and made birdies after carding three consecutive bogeys to start his round.
“Obviously it was a rough week,” Kim said. “I’m excited to be playing professional golf again. I feel very blessed that I have this opportunity. I’ve got a lot to work on, but I had a lot of good things go my way this week so I’m looking forward to building on that and being in contention at some point this year.”
Great interview from Anthony Kim after his round at LIV Jeddah:
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) March 3, 2024
“I’ve got a lot to work on.”
It’s going to be fun to watch his journey back. Next up is Hong Kong and then the Blue Monster! pic.twitter.com/cFRIYRf0UB
According to Kim, his swing and mechanics aren’t the problem. The three-time PGA Tour winner is simply acclimating to professional golf after an unfathomably long break from competitive events, let alone the public eye.
“Unfortunately it's still taking me a couple holes to get comfortable. I think most of my over-par scores are the first six holes. If I can just figure a way to get my mind right before I get out there, I think I'll be in great shape,” Kim said.
“I’m more encouraged after playing this tournament and playing like a--, really,” he continued.
LIV’s next event is in Hong Kong from March 8-10.