The field for the upcoming Australian Open has received a significant boost with Joaquin Niemann headlining a group of four LIV Golf stars who have committed to play at Royal Melbourne from December 4-7.
Niemann, who won the Australian Open at Sydney’s The Australian Golf Club two years ago, will be joined by his Torque teammates Carlos Ortiz and Sebastian Munoz as well as Spanish rising star Josele Ballester in taking on the likes of Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Cameron Smith and Min Woo Lee.
Chile’s Niemann has become a regular down under in recent years, famously earning an invite to The Masters from Augusta National for his contribution to the global game by coming to Australia.
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The 26-year-old will once again arrive in Australia in red hot form, having won five times on the LIV circuit this year, including in Adelaide in February.
Chile’s Joaquin Niemann drinks from his shoe while celebrating victory during the final day of the LIV Golf Adelaide at the Grange Golf Club in Adelaide on February 16, 2025. (Photo by Brenton Edwards / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE –Source: AFP
He also heads to Royal Melbourne as a far more accomplished player than the last time he played the fame venue, at the 2019 Presidents Cup.
“It’s always an honour to play in a championship like the Australian Open and having the opportunity to play this year at Royal Melbourne, and as a past champion, makes it even more special,” Niemann said in Golf Australia’s announcement.
“I have some great memories of playing the Composite Course with the International Team at the Presidents Cup and can’t wait to get back there again.
“That experience is going to be help but the practice rounds will be important because Royal Melbourne is one of those courses where you really need a good strategy and shape your shots.
“It’s been a really enjoyable year for me so far. To finish 2025 by winning the Stonehaven Cup again would make it even more memorable and set me up for 2026.”
Chile’s Joaquin Niemann celebrates with the trophy after winning the final day of the LIV Golf League event at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester, central England, on July 27, 2025. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
Ortiz will make his Australian Open debut after producing his best ever finish in a major this year – tied fourth at the US Open at Oakmont.
The 34-year-old has also picked up two victories in the Asian Tour’s International Series in the past 18 months.
He initially made waves in the world of golf back in 2020 when he became the first Mexican-born player in 42 years to win on the PGA Tour.
Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz putts during the second day of the LIV Golf Adelaide at the Grange Golf Club in Adelaide on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Brenton Edwards / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE –Source: AFPMCKINNEY, TEXAS – MAY 12: Sebastian Munoz of Colombia reacts on the 18th green during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch on May 12, 2022 in McKinney, Texas. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Munoz claimed his PGA Tour breakthrough victory a year earlier, while he also picked up a win on LIV this year, defeating Jon Rahm in a playoff in Indianapolis.
Ballester, meanwhile, is regarded as one of the sport’s best young prospects, having made his Masters debut earlier this year courtesy of winning last year’s US Amateur.
The 22-year-old Spaniard made headlines at Augusta National for urinating mid-round in the famous Rae’s Creek, and he went on to join LIV Golf in June after turning professional.
His best result on the circuit so far was losing to South Africa’s Dean Burmester in a playoff in Chicago.
Ortiz, Munoz and Ballester have also committed to play the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland in Brisbane the week before the Australian Open.
