In an impressive display of skill and precision, Joaquin Niemann, a player in the LIV Golf league, made his mark as he carded a remarkable 12-under 59 during the opening round of the LIV Golf Mayakoba event. This outstanding performance not only gave Niemann a significant five-shot lead but also placed him in a league of his own, becoming only the second LIV Golf player to achieve a sub-60 round in consecutive years.
The magic began to unfold for Niemann, a 25-year-old professional golfer from Chile, at El Camaleon golf course in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. With a shotgun start on the first hole, Niemann remained focused and composed throughout his round. As he approached his final hole, he had the chance to match the league's record with one last birdie, but his wedge shot fell just short of the green, leading to a two-putt finish, securing his first ever 59 in competition play.
With a five-stroke advantage over his closest competitor, Patrick Reed, Niemann was elated by his performance but admitted that he was initially unaware of his score relative to par. It wasn't until he heard the crowd's excitement that he realized he was in contention for a historic round. 'I got to 12 [under] and didn't realize it was a par 71,' Niemann confessed. 'People started to say, 'Go for 58.' Not my best wedge, but able to be under 60, which is cool.'
Niemann's accomplishment adds his name to the exclusive list of players who have shot rounds in the 50s in professional golf around the world. Notably, the lowest round on the PGA Tour stands at a remarkable 58, achieved by Jim Furyk at the 2016 Travelers Championship. Meanwhile, on the Alps Tour, David Carey holds the record with a stunning 57 in the first round of the Cervino Open in 2019.
While Niemann basked in the glory of his exceptional performance, the tournament also served as the debut for Masters champion Jon Rahm, who recently signed with LIV Golf after an impressive 2021 season. Rahm, who joined LIV in December, opened with a respectable 66, leaving him seven strokes behind Niemann. Rahm spoke of feeling relaxed on the course despite the flurry of activity surrounding his LIV debut. 'The golf course is always going to be the place I can be in control. I felt relaxed out there,' Rahm stated, highlighting his comfort with music in the cart, a familiar touch reminiscent of his home routine.
Sergio Garcia, a fellow LIV Golf competitor, also had a notable round, posting an impressive 65. Rahm acknowledged the high level of competition within the league, as evidenced by the numerous rounds in the 50s. 'Another round in the 50s shows that competition is not lacking here,' Rahm remarked, emphasizing the caliber of talent within LIV Golf.
For Niemann, this record-setting performance marked a pivotal moment in his LIV Golf journey. Since joining the league after the 2022 Tour Championship, he has yet to claim an individual title, but this round showcased his potential for greatness. Although Niemann faced challenges during the previous season and finished 26th on the money list, his victory at the Australian Open during the offseason underscored his capabilities.
The start of LIV Golf's third season brought a few modifications to the format. With the addition of 13 teams, including Jon Rahm's new team called Legion XIII, and two wild-cards, the competition has become even more compelling. In order to facilitate threesomes on each hole, the wild-cards exclusively play as individuals. For the team competition, the top three scores from each team count, while on the final day, all four scores are taken into account.
As the LIV Golf Mayakoba event progresses, all eyes will be on Joaquin Niemann, the man of the moment. With his incredible 59, he has set the bar high for his competitors and proven that he possesses the talent and precision required to excel in this exclusive golf league. Only time will tell if he can maintain his lead and go on to claim his first individual victory in the LIV Golf series.
