Notwithstanding the accolades that have come along the way, Joaquin Niemann’s journey in professional golf is better defined by his earnestness to keep learning. Of course, trophies—like the one he bagged in Singapore on Sunday, March 16—mean a lot for men in Niemann’s category, but mounting the LIV Golf podium for the second time this season in quick succession is directly linked to his ability to put to use the experience he collects every tournament week.
The mindset has been quite the same for Fireballs GC as they scripted a first in LIV history by becoming the only team since 2022 to secure three victories on the trot. Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore—the three-shot win over Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII leaves Sergio Garcia & Co. in the perfect spot to equal 4Aces GC’s four straight wins in the opening season.
Pursuit of excellence
The stage changed as Joaquin Niemann battled the odds to rise from Chile to the PGA Tour, and from there to LIV Golf as a prized signing. His four titles—divided equally between 2024 and the first three months of this season—leave him one win shy of Brooks Koepka’s five. However, rather than focusing on the looming landmark, Niemann’s attention remains on the process of getting better.
Like Adelaide, his season’s first high in February, there were moments through the 54 holes at Sentosa Golf Club when Joaquin Niemann found himself in a tough spot. By the end of it, the five-shot margin over defending champion Koepka told a tale of supremacy, but the challenges of the Serapong Course—or the nerves involved in executing a risky shot—tested Niemann as well. He simply thrived under pressure, facing new challenges and responding to them better than the rest.
The champion acknowledged this himself, describing how he has evolved into a different player from last year—richer in experience from competing against the best golfers across the globe.
Coming into Sunday with a share of the lead alongside 4Aces GC captain Dustin Johnson, Joaquin Niemann, who is at the helm of Torque GC, needed to pull away with a round that equaled or bettered Saturday’s 7-under. He almost matched it, but the 6-under—which tied for the day’s lowest round with Koepka—took on even greater significance given the way the course was set up for the finale.
“I stayed in the moment on those tough shots, especially those tough tee shots. Like at the beginning of the round, I was able to get it going quick, so that helped me build that momentum,” said Niemann.
Such moments were scattered throughout the day, and it was only fitting that Niemann sealed his flawless performance with a similarly clutch effort before the Sunday crowd. The approach shot on the 18th was a tricky one, but as a man both nervous and aware of the challenges ahead, Niemann’s pinpoint response secured the win.
Lucky charm at work
As someone who endears himself to fans with his affable persona, Niemann always makes time to connect with the audience outside the ropes. This time, he was seen signing a glove en route to the victory ceremony and tossing it into the crowd. The one with the quickest hands claimed the prize.
Among other memorable moments, one instance at the start of the week particularly stood out. A three-year-old approached Joaquin Niemann during practice and offered him a bracelet. Gracious as always, Niemann accepted it—but instead of tucking it away in his golf bag, he wore it throughout the tournament. After his victory, he credited the little admirer for bringing him luck.
No resting on laurels
Niemann’s next assignment is in Miami at the start of April, followed immediately by the Masters, for which he received an invitation from the tournament committee at Augusta National—an acknowledgment of his outstanding performances over the past 12 months.
The validation, despite being away from the PGA Tour, is significant. However, while Niemann is grateful, he is not one to sit back and dwell on what makes him and his style of golf so sought after.
Big weeks require extra effort, and Niemann knows that maintaining his process is key. “Just keep doing the same stuff… You build confidence, and I build that confidence through preparation. I’m excited that I have two weeks—they’re going to be good preparation for what’s coming.”
His caddie, Gary Matthews, who has been watching from close range, believes his player is currently the best in the world. And while Niemann may not yet occupy the top spot in the rankings, the quiet confidence within his camp suggests what lies ahead.
Aware that he has yet to win a Major, Joaquin Niemann remains certain that his time will come soon enough. “I’m pretty sure, and I’m pretty calm about it because I know I’m going to win a Major.”
If there is a concern, it is staying consistent with his process of improvement. “How I’m going to improve and feel better in those tough situations… because the sooner and the more I learn from those situations, the more ready I’m going to be,” he explained—offering insight into his champion mindset.
Making it look easy
Indisposed throughout the week, Sergio Garcia couldn’t quite be the inspirational captain he usually is for Fireballs GC. However, the individual champion from Hong Kong can take pride in assembling a ‘band of brothers’ that functions as one.
With bronchitis affecting Garcia’s golf, the onus was on the skill of Abraham Ancer and the energy of David Puig and Luis Masaveu to take on an enormous challenge—as Fireballs GC began the final day a staggering eight shots behind the 4Aces.
(All images: Joaquin Niemann via Instagram)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
