Joaquin Niemann breaks silence after failing to make the cut at The Open and gives the reason why it happened

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Another difficult season in the major championships for Joaquin Niemann concluded last week with the Chilean missing the cut at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

Joaquin Niemann is a player under the microscope like few others at the highest level of the game. The 26-year-old has been absolutely outstanding on LIV Golf, winning four times this year and six in total. Unsurprisingly, he currently leads the way in the individual standings for the season.

However, taking that form into the majors has been difficult. Niemann registered his first ever top 10 at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

But any hope that that may prove to be the turning point has been dashed.

Joaquin Niemann reflects on missing the cut at The Open Championship

Niemann missed the cut at both the US Open and The Open Championship. He has now missed nine cuts in 26 major championship appearances.

The Open is the one major where Niemann is yet to register a top 25 in his career, seemingly hinting that he is yet to master the art of tackling links golf.

But speaking after his second round at LIV Golf UK this week, Niemann suggested that it was another part of his game which really cost him at the final major of the year.

“Yeah, I think even harder, obviously, is I didn’t play the way I wanted. I feel like my putter was a little bit off for the first two days. But it’s part of it, and it was tough, and then I was able to focus and kind of reset myself into the last three, four tournaments of the season, which I think is really important.
We’re back at it,” he said.

Joaquin Niemann discusses having Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm hunting him down

Niemann has not let that disappointment knock him off his stride however. The youngster is tied for the lead heading into the second round at JCB after posting a six under par round of 65.

He has got a phenomenal chance of extending his lead over the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm in the season standings.

And he was asked about the pressure of having two heavyweights hunting him down.

“It depends on the way you look at it. I think it’s fun. I think I’m on a really privileged situation to be on the top of the rankings and being chased by Jon and Bryson. It just makes me a better athlete,” he said.

“I like that pressure. I like playing like that. I’ve just got to try my best.”

Niemann can at least put the talk of the majors aside for the best part of nine months now. That may not be the best news for those hoping to catch him and stop him winning the individual title.