Joaquin Niemann takes a four-shot lead into the ultimate spherical of the LIV Golf League’s season opener in Mayakoka, with Masters champion Jon Rahm in rivalry on debut.
Niemann adopted a surprising opening-round 59 with a one-under 70 on Saturday in windy circumstances at El Camaleon, mixing four birdies with three bogeys to maneuver to 13 underneath.
The Chilean recovered from bogeying the second gap to make three birdies in a five-hole stretch, then responded to dropped photographs on the par-three tenth and par-four 14th to birdie the par-three fifteenth.
Niemann holds a commanding benefit over Rahm and Dean Burmester, who share second on 9 underneath, with Sergio Garcia an additional two photographs again in fourth and reigning PGA champion Brooks Koepka among the many group in tied-fifth on 5 underneath.
“The course was playing a lot tougher,” Niemann mentioned. “That wind was tricky. It never stopped since the first tee. I knew it was going to be a tough day. I got a few bad holes where I was able to kind of bring it back, but overall I’m still happy the way I played and the way I’m still hitting the ball.”
Burmester – already a two-time winner on the DP World Tour this season – began and completed his spherical with bogeys however registered seven birdies in an five-under 66, with Rahm additionally inside four of the lead after a second-round 67.
Rahm, who solely joined the Saudi-backed circuit in December and captains the brand new Legion XIII staff, additionally recovered from an early bogey to make 5 birdies and keep in the hunt to make a successful begin to his LIV Golf profession.
“Fantastic day on a much tougher golf course,” Rahm mentioned. “Much tougher conditions, a lot windier, where in a place with fairways this narrow I managed to keep it in. I played really well tee to green and it was a great day.”
Niemann’s Torque GC staff sits at 15 underneath and owns a five-shot lead over Rahm’s Legion XIII in the staff contest, with Smash GC – captained by Koepka – in third spot on 9 underneath.
The three finest scores from every staff rely in the primary two rounds whereas all four scores rely in the ultimate spherical. The staff with the bottom cumulative rating after three rounds wins the staff title.
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