No one needs to remind Joaquín Niemman of his record in the Majors. The brand-new winner this Sunday at the LIV Golf Singapore, his second victory in four tournaments so far this year, is clear about it. In fact, it’s etched in his mind like a dagger. He has played 22 majors, made 15 cuts, and has no top 10 finishes. A really poor record for someone who has won six times in less than two years.
Therefore, right after winning in Singapore, the Chilean acknowledged that his next big challenge is to perform well in the year’s top events. He approaches it with conviction and confidence, not with fear and defeatism. He has no doubt that his moment will come and is not inclined to put unnecessary pressure on himself.
“I know. I have it in mind,” he says about his results in the Majors. And he adds: “I know I’ve been playing great here, and if I look at my stats, I haven’t had a great result in the majors. It’s something that frustrates me. However, I saw an interview from a while ago with Greg Norman, when he was the Number One in the world and hadn’t won a major yet, and I liked his response because it’s completely true. If you ask me, I’m quite sure and calm about it because I know it’s going to happen. I know I’m going to win a major. I know it’s going to happen. Maybe not at the Masters in the next three weeks, maybe yes. I have no idea. I just know it’s going to happen,” he assures.
In this line of thought, Niemann makes it clear that his main goal for the next three weeks is to arrive in the best possible shape at Augusta. “I’m only concerned about knowing how I’m going to improve and how I’m going to feel better in those difficult situations because the sooner and more I learn from those situations, the more prepared I’ll be. I know that one day it’s going to happen, so I’m quite calm knowing that,” he explains after his masterclass at the Serapong course of the Sentosa Golf Club.
Niemann faces his lacklustre record in the Majors in the best possible way, without traumas or obsessions, convinced that one day he will win and that to achieve it, he needs to work as hard as possible. Joaco’s honesty with himself can only be a help to achieve his goals. Today, he revealed that he has been very nervous throughout the round, especially before going out to play, sharing the star match with his teammate and friend Sebastián Muñoz. He acknowledges the nerves and deals with them, instead of denying their existence. The best way to overcome them.
If Niemann comfortably won the individual title, the Fireballs of Sergio García staged a great comeback on the final day to win for the third time. The player from Borriol revealed at the end of the tournament that he played sick for a good part of the week, which explains why he didn’t quite perform well on a course he likes and suits him perfectly. “After Hong Kong, I started to feel unwell, somewhat congested. On Thursday, the day before the tournament, I had a fever of 39 degrees. I spoke with the doctor, and he told me I had bronchitis. I’ve been taking antibiotics and felt very tired with the illness, the heat, and the humidity. Even today, it still hurts when I cough. I’m very proud of what my teammates have done to win as a team,” explained the golfer from Borriol, who still managed to finish mid-table with only one round over par.
The goal now is to recover 100% as soon as possible to compete fully next week at the International Series Macao, an event marked in red as it offers three spots for the Open. It is García’s main goal to return to the British this year, now that he has secured his presence at the Masters and the PGA. There, David Puig, Luis Masaveu, or Eduard Rousaud, who enters the tournament through his category in the Asian Tour via the School, will also try to secure a spot in the Open.
By the way, Puig joked during media attention about his record of team victories. Between the Torque, where he spent his first two years, and the Fireballs, where he landed in 2024, he has already accumulated eight team victories. He is the great talisman. No one has won more. “It’s clear that I’m the best player in LIV Golf,” he joked. To which Sergio clarified: “the best in teams.” All in a very fun tone.
By the way, regarding the LIV ranking, which we remember will be qualifying for the US Open and the Open Championship, Niemann has taken the first position, Jon Rahm is second, Sergio García is third, and David Puig occupies the sixth place. The top three, interestingly, are the same ones who finished last year in the top three positions. At the moment, Niemann would have the US Open spot, as he is not qualified for that Major, and Sergio and Sebastián Muñoz, who is in fourth place, would be in the Open. However, there are still tournaments ahead before the deadline to establish who gets the spots in the Majors.
El Open Championship también dará una plaza a los jugadores de LIV Golf
La USGA crea una categoría para invitar a jugadores de LIV Golf al US Open
