Joaquin Niemann is one of the best players in the world but he’s still not expected to compete at the 2025 US Open.
That’s because he faces the same issue as most LIV golfers – performances on the tour do not earn world ranking points.
One of the many criteria for US Open qualification this year is to be inside the top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking and Niemann is only 81st.
However, one brand new method gives him a chance to earn an invite to Pinehurst, albeit at a cost to another high-profile player.
Joaquin Niemann wants 2025 US Open exemption at Ryder Cup legend’s expense
Niemann finished second to Jon Rahm in the 2024 LIV Golf season standings and he’s already won an event this year.
The Mexican’s victory in Adelaide last month is largely why he’s fourth in the overall leaderboard in 2025, behind only Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau and Dean Burmester.
Ryder Cup legend and Masters champion Garcia has also not yet qualified for the US Open, although he is currently in position to.
The reason is that the US Open introduced an exemption this year for the player leading the LIV Golf standings on May 17.
There are four LIV events until then, including the one currently underway in Singapore, and Niemann did not deny that it’s one of his targets to deny Garcia.
“Yeah, definitely,” he said after the second round in Singapore. “I’ve got to get to the — first of all, I want to obviously win the tournament, and then I think all the rest will pay for itself. But it’s definitely on my mind that if I got — there’s a spot for the U.S. Open which I’m not in.
“Yeah, it would be nice to have a good Sunday and have that opportunity to go past Sergio and have that lead. I feel like I’m still a few weeks away from that qualifier cut, so this definitely will help.”
Joaquin Niemann and Dustin Johnson co-lead LIV Golf Singapore before final round
Niemann (-11) is co-leading LIV Golf Singapore alongside Dustin Johnson heading into the third and final round on Sunday.
This means that the pair will play together at the stunning Sentosa Golf Club in an exciting battle for the title, which we know has important ramifications.
Johnson has been criticised lately for his underwhelming performances since joining LIV but it seems that he’s back to his best again this week.
Niemann added: “Yeah, I mean, he’s playing good. Definitely, he’s playing great. He said he was struggling a little bit with his body in Hong Kong, and being able to see him grinding these last couple days, you can tell he’s an athlete, and he’s really talented.
“It’s going to be a fun day tomorrow. I’m excited for that. Hopefully we can both play some good golf and let the best win.”
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