05 February 2024 , 01:56
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Joaquin Niemann laid claim to being one of the best golfers in the world throughout his hard-fought victory over Sergio Garcia in almost complete darkness at Mayakoba Resort in Mexico on Sunday. The first LIV Golf tournament of the year came down to the wire as Niemann had to survive a record length four-hole play-off to get the win.
As he was getting interviewed after the win, Niemann had a quick but powerful statement regarding his place among the best golfers in the world. "But I'm not in the majors," the 25-year-old said.
In the first round, the Chilean golfer shot a historic 59. But he was penalized two shots in his second round after he illegally dropped his ball on a slanted surface. The third round was another good one for Niemann, which set up his matchup with Garcia.
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As the sun fell and the darkness rose, Niemann was not only competing with Garcia, but also the elements as the course was lit up by only a handful of light sources. In the end, Niemann took the victory in a four-hole play-off, sinking a birdie in the final hole to win the longest LIV play-off to date.
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After he gained his composure, the Chilean star delved into what was going through his mind after winning his first LIV Golf tournament, which nabbed him $4 million. "Yeah, I know it's freaking awesome," a jubilant Niemann said. "I mean, I've been seeing this for the last couple weeks working.
"And I saw myself on the practice round, putting that last putt in to win so it's freaking awesome."
Joaquin Niemann fought the darkness to win the first LIV Golf tournament of 2024 (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)With night having fallen on Niemann and Garcia's intense showdown, the young star detailed how he had difficulty trying to get the ball where it needed to go. "It was funny. You guys saw my drivers; it was one divot here, another divot here, and another divot here," he said.
"I almost hit my own divots and yeah, I drive the ball beautiful, this 18 hole I just went up there, hit that high draw that I've been using lately and it's been pretty good ... I was confident doing that and had the same number for the last three times."
Lastly, when asked about his intention to play the majors, Niemann expressed that he hoped his performance at Mayakoba could convince those in charge to let him play in the biggest golf tournaments after joining the Saudi Arabian-backed circuit.
"Oh I hope so. I mean I'm just ready," Niemann said. "I mean I want to win Majors but I gotta get in first."
With his victory, the Chilean is starting the year strong and if he continues to show his form and how impressive his improvement has been, the organisers might have to include Niemann in upcoming Majors as one of the best young golfers in the world.