Niemann Takes Commanding Lead at LIV Golf UK
Torque GC Captain nears fifth win of season and team title at JCB
Las Vegas - Joaquín Niemann surged to a six-stroke lead at LIV Golf UK by JCB on Saturday with a scintillating round of 63, placing him firmly on course for his fifth individual title of the season and a potential team triumph for Torque GC.
The 25-year-old Chilean was clinical from tee to green, hitting all 18 greens in regulation and pouring in nine birdies—four of them from beyond 17 feet—to finish 14-under-par through 36 holes. His two-day total of 65-63 has him closing in on one of the most dominant performances in LIV Golf history.
“All I’m thinking about is what I’m doing right now, having a great time out on the golf course,” said Niemann. “I’ve been hitting my lines on the putter. They’ve been going in. All I’m worried about is that, and I think everything else is just going to take care of itself.”
Niemann leads Bubba Watson by six and sits seven clear of a trio tied for third: Paul Casey, Caleb Surratt, and Adrian Meronk. Watson, who posted a 68, acknowledged the size of the challenge. “It's his golf tournament to win as of right now,” said the RangeGoats GC captain. “If he goes out and plays half of what he's doing today, he wins it.”
Torque GC, meanwhile, leads the team competition at 24-under-par, three clear of Legion XIII. Seeking their first team title since 2023, Niemann’s squad is bolstered by solid rounds from Sebastián Muñoz (66), Carlos Ortiz (70) and Mito Pereira (72).
The performance follows a turbulent fortnight for Niemann, who missed the cut at The Open and made changes to his support team—including a new caddie. “It’s been a little weird,” he admitted. “I’m really grateful for them, for the two people that are not working with me anymore on the team.”
Crushers GC’s Paul Casey, who will play in the final group with Niemann and Watson on Sunday, said: “He’s got something special going—four wins already, looking for No. 5. What can you say other than just tip your cap?”
If Niemann closes out victory, it would move him nearly 50 points ahead in the season-long standings and leave him in position to secure the Individual Championship in Chicago next month.
Torque GC must hold off challenges from Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII and Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers, the league’s top two teams this season. “We know we’re due for a win,” said Niemann. “I think it’s going to be an exciting day for all of us tomorrow.”