For LIV Golf's Joaquin Niemann, Olympic Gold Is the Goal but Even More Is at Stake

Joaquin Niemann of Chile opened with a 5-under 66, three shots behind leader Hideki Matsuyama of Japan at Le Golf National. | Ben Jared/PGA Tour/IGF

SAINT QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France — Joaquin Niemann is LIV Golf’s best player this year, at least according to its season-long points standing, a source of pride and frustration all at the same time.

Still just 25, Niemann has won two of LIV Golf’s events, played in three major championships and been forthright when asked about the lack of standing his accomplishments in the controversial league hold in the bigger picture of the game.