In the midst of the whirlwind of uncertainties surrounding LIV Golf, Joaquin Niemann stands out as the solid rock of the competition, achieving his eighth career victory in a dramatic playoff in South Korea. While the future of the league hangs in the balance following the recent announcement that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia will cease funding the tour after 2026, Niemann once again put on a show in Busan, securing a memorable triumph that reinforces his status as the most reliable star of LIV Golf.
The event, the eighth of the season, began with a negative surprise for fans: the loss of one of the main features of live broadcasting of the competition. However, the spotlight of the tournament returned to the Chilean, who, after tying with Talor Gooch at 67 strokes in regulation on a par-70 course, took the decision to an exciting playoff. It was there that Niemann showcased his class, executing an impressive approach wedge from 149 yards that placed him in a prime position to sink a birdie putt and claim the title.
Niemann did not hide his emotion when recalling the decisive moment: “I would like to describe exactly what it feels like in a situation like this, but for me it’s one of the best feelings. We practice every day, we always wake up with the goal of improving, whether it’s with the wedge, driving, or putting. When the moment of the playoff arrives, we know we can deliver, we trust what we have practiced, and we just commit to the shot. I love this pressure, knowing that I have to hit it to win the tournament.”
This victory marks the first win of the season for Niemann, 27, who already had five victories in LIV Golf in 2025 and two more the previous year. The Chilean player acknowledges that he found it easier this year: “I look back at 2025 and it was so easy to win. It felt natural, but I feel like in 2026 I was forcing things too much. Today was fun, I love this feeling of winning again. I have a huge passion for this game that constantly teaches us, always showing us how to improve. You’re always learning; you can be struggling on one hole and then make an eagle or a heroic birdie on the next.”
In the battle for the podium, Bryson DeChambeau finished in third place, just one stroke shy of the playoff, after a final round marked by five birdies in the first 11 holes and a finish of seven holes at par. “There were moments when I felt fantastic, and others when things got away from me a bit. I gave myself several opportunities, but today just wasn’t my day,” admitted the American.
Another prominent name was Dustin Johnson, also a two-time major winner, who finished in fourth place at 10 under par. “It’s been a few years since I felt my game like this. I’ve been close, but now I feel like my driving is consistent, which takes a lot of pressure off the rest of my game. Now I can focus more on my wedges, irons, chipping, and putting,” Johnson confessed.
Earlier in the week, DeChambeau commented on the unexpected departure of the Saudi Public Investment Fund from LIV Golf: “We were surprised by the speed of the decision; we didn’t expect this. But it’s all good. When one door closes, another opens.”
In light of this new reality, LIV Golf officials are working on a renewed business plan to attract investors and sponsors, with a funding ambition of between $250 and $350 million. The proposal for the new version of the league includes expanding shareholder participation beyond team captains, with a renewed focus on team golf.
The circuit continues next week with the LIV Golf Andalucía, at the legendary Valderrama course in Spain, which will serve as the final preparation for players before the U.S. Open. Joaquin Niemann remains, thus, a beacon of normalcy and excellence in a LIV Golf that is going through turbulent times.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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