Joaquin Niemann secured his second LIV Golf title in three starts with a commanding four-shot victory over Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel at the LIV Golf Jeddah event in Saudi Arabia. Niemann's recent success includes three wins in the last three months, starting with his triumph at the Australian Open in December, which led to his rejoining of the European tour and an invitation to the prestigious Masters tournament.
Niemann's stellar performance began with a remarkable opening round of 59 at Mayakoba, followed by a playoff victory over Sergio Garcia. His latest win in Jeddah propels him to the top of the points list as he looks ahead to the upcoming LIV event in Hong Kong.
The Chilean golfer maintained a comfortable lead throughout the final round at Royal Greens, with Oosthuizen posing as the closest challenger until a late bogey derailed his chances. Niemann's closing 4-under 66 solidified his victory, while Oosthuizen carded a 67 and Schwartzel finished with a 68.
In a post-round interview, Niemann humorously questioned his status as a favorite for major championships, citing his world ranking of 72. Despite the Official World Golf Ranking's decision not to award LIV ranking points due to the event's limited field, Niemann's exceptional form has garnered attention and accolades.
Anthony Kim, returning to competitive golf after a 12-year hiatus, struggled at the event, finishing in last place. However, his agreement with LIV Golf allows him to participate in future events independently.
Niemann's victory at Jeddah earned him $4 million, bringing his total earnings from three LIV events this year to $8,162,000. His success has secured him invitations to prestigious tournaments like the Masters, the British Open, and potentially the PGA Championship based on his recent performances.
Reflecting on his achievements, Niemann expressed satisfaction with his current form and emphasized his determination to maintain his impressive play. With two victories already this year, the 25-year-old golfer is poised for continued success on the international stage.
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