Captain Joaquín Niemann of Torque GC. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/LIV Golf)
Defending champion Joaquín Niemann surged with a 5-under-par 66, and Lee Westwood’s steady 3-under-par 68 set up a battle for the lead at Aramco LIV Golf Singapore, both entering the final round at 10-under 203 after a demanding day at the Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club.
Just one shot behind at 9-under 204 is wild-card entrant Richard T. Lee, who carded a 2-under-par 69 to remain firmly in contention, and overnight leader Bryson DeChambeau, who cited slow green speeds for his slip in momentum.
With gusty winds exposing tee shots and making approach play difficult. Niemann said controlling his ball flight proved crucial. While most of the field struggled, Niemann’s precise iron play, and composure distinguished his performance.
He said, “It was definitely a tricky day out there. It was windy and really exposed on some of those holes,” he explained. “I hit the ball unbelievable today compared to the other days. I was able to see the ball through the windows in my mind and control the trajectory really well. I think that was the key.”
Starting several shots behind the leaders, the Torque GC captain capitalised on strong ball-striking while limiting mistakes to just two bogeys.
“I think it was one of those days where I was in a great position a few strokes behind,” Niemann said. “My iron shots are getting better and better. It was a good test today with this wind, and I was able to take advantage of it.”
The Chilean added that despite the strong round, he still felt there were chances left on the course.
“I felt like I left a few putts out there, a few shots out there, but I’m really happy with the way I hit the ball today,” he said.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed consistent success at Sentosa, finishing 10th in 2023, seventh in 2024 and winning the event last year. He believes the demanding layout rewards patience and precise ball-striking.
“I feel like this is one of those courses that fits me pretty good,” Niemann said. “There aren’t many birdie opportunities out there, so you’ve got to stay patient, hit the ball well and stay calm. I feel like I’ve been able to do that.”
Patience, he added, has been key to his approach this week.
“I think patience is the word everybody is trying to keep in their mind. If you can maintain that, it’s always going to do well for you,” he said.
Sharing the lead with Niemann is Lee Westwood, whose steady 3-under-par 68 also brought him to 10-under.
Lee Westwood, co-captain of Majesticks GC is joint leader. Photo: LIV Golf
Westwood described the round as a grind on a course that offered little margin for error.
“This golf course is playing tough, so it’s going to feel like a grind because it’s just difficult,” Westwood said. “The wind felt stronger than the first two days, but I played solid late and gave myself a few chances.”
The Majesticks GC co-captain ignited his round with birdies on three of his final four holes, closing strong to share the top spot.
“It was good to birdie three of the last four pretty pain-free and be in a good position for tomorrow,” he said.
The Englishman, who recently returned from a wrist injury that limited his practice time, admitted he did not expect to be in contention so soon.
“To turn it around in six or seven weeks and actually be leading the tournament going into the final round is a pleasant surprise,” Westwood said. “It’s nice at the age of 52, nearly 53, to still be competing on a world-class level.”
Westwood said experience will guide his approach in Sunday’s final group.
“Just not really doing anything different,” he said. “I’ve got a good game plan for the course. If you get too aggressive around here, it can bite you.”
Reflecting on his consistent round, Westwood added, “Yeah, I would say this is a major championship-style golf course. It’s very demanding. Even though the rough isn’t that thick, it asks you to hit a lot of fairways, and it’s difficult to score from the rough. You don’t have as much control over the golf ball. Because the greens are so firm, if you’re coming out of the rough, it’s difficult to get it to stop, and the greens are running so quick. They’re 13 on the stimpmeter, or maybe a little bit faster. Some of the purest surfaces I’ve—never mind Asia, I’ve ever seen in my career. They’re a joy, really, to putt on, but you have to be very wary not to get too aggressive because the putts can soon get away from you.”
Close behind Niemann and Westwood at 9-under is Richard T. Lee, who posted a 2-under-par 69 to remain in the mix.
Wild Card, Richard T. Lee. (Photo by Charles Laberge/LIV Golf)
Lee credited his familiarity with Serapong, having played the course multiple times on the Asian Tour, for helping him navigate the difficult conditions.
“I think it helped a lot,” Lee said. “There are a lot of tucked pins, and you have to place your tee shots at the right angles. Knowing the course definitely gives me an advantage.”
Despite missing several short putts, Lee rallied with a birdie at the 18th, maintaining pressure on the leaders.
“Finished with a birdie on 18, so I think the food is going to taste better today,” he joked.
Heading into Sunday, Lee said his preparation would remain simple.
“I’m just going to keep it low key, have some nice food with my family and go to bed early,” he said.
Should he capture the title, Lee admitted it would be life-changing.
“It would definitely change a lot in my life with my family,” he said. “Playing with these guys in this big league, it would be a great honour to win.”
Speaking on being in contention with some of the top players on the LIV Golf Tour, Lee added, “I definitely feel like I can perform out here, and I think I can win.”
Captain Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC. (Photo by Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf)
Bryson DeChambeau, who led overnight, is now also tied at 9-under after battling inconsistent green speeds that cost him some momentum during the round.
“The greens on 8, 9, 10, 11 got really slow,” DeChambeau said. “I three-putted a few of them, and that cost me some momentum. Other than that, I played great golf.”
Leading Results
Individual Top 10
T1 (-10) – Joaquin Niemann, Crushers (69-68-66); Lee Westwood, Majesticks GC (67-68-68)
T3 (-9) – Richard T. Lee, Wild Card (67-68-69); Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers GC (67-65-72)
5 (-7) – Jon Rahm, Legion XIII (67-68-71)
6 (-6) – Marc Leishman, Ripper GC (68-68-71)
T7 (-5) – Dustin Johnson, 4Aces GC (71-69-68), Tyrrell Hatton, Legion XIII (68-71,69); Talor Gooch, Smash GC (70-68-70); Josele Ballester, Fireballs GC (73-66-69); Brendan Steele, HyFlyers GC (70-71-67); Thomas Detry, 4Aces GC (71-69-68); Louis Oosthuizen, Southern Guards GC (68-67-73)
Team Top 3
1 (-16) – 4Aces GC (Johnson 68, Kim 68, Pieters 70, Detry 73; Rd. 3 score: -5)
T2 (-14) – Ripper CG (Smylie 67, Smith 69, Leishman 71, Herbert 71; Rd. 3 score: -6)
T2 (-14) – Legion XIII (Hatton 69, McKibbin 70, Rahm 71, Surratt 72; Rd. 3 score: -2)
