Joaquin Niemann has got one hand on the individual title on LIV Golf this season after the Chilean secured his fifth victory of the season at JCB on Sunday.
Joaquin Niemann broke his own record for the most wins in LIV Golf history this week. The 26-year-old won by three shots from Bubba Watson at LIV Golf UK.
Niemann has become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2013 to win five times on either the PGA Tour or LIV Golf in a single year without one of those victories coming in the majors.
Obviously, the Torque captain still has a point to prove in the four biggest events of the year. But there is no denying that he deserves enormous credit for the phenomenal year that he has enjoyed on LIV.
Jon Rahm suggests where Joaquin Niemann ranks among the best players in the world right now
It looks highly likely that Jon Rahm will have too much to do to catch Niemann in the individual standings. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau would have to win both of the last two events to stand any chance of snatching the title.
It is quite the statement from Niemann. And speaking after Legion XIII clinched the team title at JCB, Tyrrell Hatton and Rahm spoke about how impressive Niemann has been this year.
“Well, yeah, five wins in, what, ten events, is unbelievable. I mean, to even win one is hard enough. So just shows the level and the consistency that he’s able to keep producing,” Hatton said.
“But, yeah, doesn’t really have a weakness in his game. He hits the ball a long way. Wedges are great. Short game is unbelievable.
“Yeah clearly he’s holing far too many putts for my liking anyway. No, he’s playing amazing. It’s very impressive.”
Rahm said: “I don’t have much to add to that. In my mind nowadays in golf due to various circumstances I think Joaquin is severely underrated. He’s one of the best players in the world and he keeps proving it.
“When it comes to his game he’s good at everything, right?
“Obviously has loads of confidence right now and taking advantage of that. It’s never easy to win. To do it multiple times, let alone five times in a season, is quite impressive.”
It was put to Rahm that Niemann finds himself in 19th spot in the Data Golf rankings currently. With players not receiving world ranking points for LIV events, Data Golf’s rankings have gained more credibility in recent years.
However, the Spaniard took exception with the idea Niemann is just inside the top 20 right now.
“I’ve seen all those strokes gained rankings. I still don’t understand. He’s won five times here. How is he behind so many of us? I don’t know the numbers. I don’t know. My guess is obviously it’s majors, events outside of LIV that may be pushing him back. It’s not a true reflection. He is undoubtedly a top 10 player in the world right now. I’m saying that conservatively,” he added.
Joaquin Niemann backed to emulate Phil Mickelson after his victory at LIV Golf UK
Niemann has now won the first LIV event after three of the four majors this year. But he will be extremely disappointed with his performance in those majors.
A top 10 at the PGA Championship was followed by missed cuts at the US Open and The Open Championship.
But many associated with LIV clearly think that it is a matter of time until Niemann proves himself on the biggest stages.
In fact, speaking on the Post-Round Show, Jerry Foltz suggested that he expects the floodgates to open once Niemann wins that first.
“He came in here vulnerable for that top spot. And I think a year ago, he was in the exact same spot when Jon Rahm came in and won and took it away from him at the end of the year, and that was hugely disappointing for Joaco Niemann. He had a point to prove. And now he’s not touchable. Bryson DeChambeau would have to have two firsts. He can’t beat him with a first and a second, no matter what Joaco does. And Rahm, if Rahm gets beat by three points in Chicago, it’s locked up for Joaco. So basically, it’s a done deal at this point unless Rahm goes on a tear and wins both events and Joaco doesn’t contend,” he said.
“He started with no confidence in his mind, coming off last week and the changes in his coach and the caddie and he had a point to prove and he was vulnerable, and he did all of that. The only thing left for Joaco Niemann is to get over that hump in majors. And once he does, it’s going to be like Phil Mickelson who didn’t win his first until the age of 32, at least I believe, if and when he does. We’re always going to talk about that until the next major at The Masters next April.
“Nothing left for him to prove out here. He knows he can beat these guys. He’s comfortable. When his game’s in the type of shape it is this week, he’s virtually – not completely, but virtually – unbeatable against this level of competition. If you’re unbeatable out here, you’re unbeatable anywhere.”
It must be extremely frustrating for Niemann knowing that he has got the best part of nine months to wait for another chance to win a major.
There is no doubt at all that is the next hurdle for him.
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