Joaquin Niemann wins LIV Mexico City, earns another major start

Joaquin Niemann was about to start thinking of U.S. Open qualifying. Turns out there’s no need.

Niemann shot a six-under 65 on Sunday at Club de Golf Chapultepec to win LIV Golf Mexico City, and he’s now claimed half of the league’s titles so far this season.

The win is Niemann’s third; LIV’s only played six events.

“Today was a really exciting Sunday for me to be out there with them in the last group, especially in Mexico, and I kind of felt like I was fitting in pretty well with the crowd,” Niemann said. “They were giving me a lot of energy at the beginning of the round, pulling for me, and I was able to play well, make a few great bunker shots, something that I’ve been working on a lot lately, and I feel like that short game is kind of coming up and helping me have those better rounds when the game is not as good, and I can still be able to shoot low.

“It’s special to have the short game on my back, and yeah, it was a tough day at the end. I was able to hit great shots and finish on 18 with a little bit of style, too, having the crowds in the background. It was special.”

The win also means Niemann is in the U.S. Open at Oakmont. The USGA recently created a LIV exemption to go to a LIV player in the top three of the league’s standings (as of May 19) who is not otherwise exempt. Niemann’s created such a points lead he’s already locked that up.

“My team was asking me to sign up for the qualifier and the sectional, and I wasn’t really into that,” he said. “So more than anything I’m grateful that I’m not playing 36 holes on a Monday after a tournament. Yeah, I’m pretty happy.”

Bryson DeChambeau entered the day with the solo lead at 13 under, one ahead of Cameron Smith and two ahead of Niemann. They played in the same group on Sunday, although Niemann didn’t make a bogey until the 14th hole. He finished 16 under, three clear of DeChambeau and Lucas Herbert, who tied for second. DeChambeau was even on the day and played the last six in three over.

“It was a good battle with Bryson, with Cam,” Niemann said, “so I’m happy to be in this position right now.”