Niemann Prevails in Busan Playoff Thriller
LIV Golf’s most prolific winner adds another title as Crushers GC continue their team dominance in front of passionate Korean crowds.
Paju, Korea - Joaquín Niemann claimed his eighth LIV Golf individual title after defeating Talor Gooch in a playoff at LIV Golf Korea on Sunday at Asiad Country Club in Busan, while Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC successfully defended their Korea team crown and secured a record 10th regular-season team victory.
Niemann and Gooch finished regulation play tied at 12-under-par after a day-long duel. The Chilean moved ahead with four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the front nine before Gooch responded with a 28-foot birdie putt at the 16th to draw level. On the first extra hole, Niemann struck his approach from 150 yards to within six feet and converted the winning birdie.
“It was fun out there,” Niemann said. “I really enjoy the feeling of winning again.” Reflecting on the decisive moments, he added: “I feel like every hole was kind of like a match play.”
While Niemann celebrated his first victory of the 2026 season, Crushers GC produced another commanding team performance. DeChambeau, Charles Howell III, Anirban Lahiri and reserve player Travis Smyth combined for a 23-under total, finishing three shots clear of Gooch’s OKGC. The victory moved Crushers GC ahead of all rivals with 10 regular-season team wins.
Smyth played a pivotal role after stepping in for the injured Paul Casey, finishing tied for eighth. “I’m over the moon. I’m super proud of myself, super proud of these guys, and couldn’t have asked for a better first week,” Smyth said. DeChambeau, who finished third individually at 11 under, praised his team’s collective effort, saying: “We all click in different ways, but we all work to make our team the best out here.”
The inaugural LIV Golf event in Busan also delivered a strong home-country storyline through Younghan Song, who posted a six-under performance and embraced the support of Korean fans. “Playing as a member of Korean Golf Club brought with it a real sense of responsibility and pressure, but thanks to the incredible support from all the fans, I was able to enjoy every round and play with a smile on my face,” Song said.
Players throughout the field praised both the challenge of Asiad Country Club and the enthusiasm of Korean spectators. Niemann described the week as “a lot of fun”, while DeChambeau said: “Koreans love their golf.” Dustin Johnson added: “The crowds are great. A lot of fans, a lot of people out, a lot of support.” Their appreciation underscored a memorable week as LIV Golf’s debut in Busan concluded with a playoff finish and another chapter in Niemann’s growing legacy.