Joaquín Niemann has been a standout performer in the LIV Golf League this season, consistently showcasing his talent and dominance on the course. The Chilean golfer kicked off the season with a bang, securing victories in two of the first three LIV events at Mayakoba and Jeddah. His impressive form has continued throughout 2024, with four additional top-five finishes, making him the most consistent player of the season.
Despite his success in the LIV Golf League, Niemann has faced challenges in translating that form into major championship success. His best finish in the majors this year was a T22 at the Masters, leaving him determined to improve his standings. After the LIV season concludes next month, Niemann plans to return to the DP World Tour to earn Official World Golf Ranking points, aiming to secure his spot in next year’s majors.
Although LIV Golf's limited access to major tournaments remains a point of frustration for Niemann, he has made the most of the lucrative opportunities provided by the Saudi-backed league. Heading into this week’s event at The Greenbrier, Niemann leads the LIV Individual Standings by 25 points, with only a handful of competitors, including Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Sergio Garcia, Cam Smith, and Louis Oosthuizen, having a mathematical chance to overtake him.
The individual title is within Niemann's reach, and he has the opportunity to clinch it this weekend. If Niemann wins at The Greenbrier and Rahm finishes third or worse, the Chilean will be crowned the 2024 LIV Golf Individual Champion.
This could result in a massive payday for Niemann. A victory at The Greenbrier would earn him a $4 million winner’s check, and securing the individual title would add an additional $18 million to his earnings, bringing the total to $22 million.
For a 25-year-old golfer in West Virginia, this weekend could be a life-changing one.