Captain Joaquín Niemann of Torque GC. (Photo by Pedro Salado/LIV Golf)
Joaquín Niemann, captain of Torque GC, put on a stellar performance in the second round of LIV Golf Singapore presented by Aramco, shooting a 7-under-par 64 to climb into a share of the lead at 11-under overall. He heads into a highly anticipated final-round battle with 4Aces captain Dustin Johnson, who posted a 3-under 68 at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course.
Jason Kokrak of Smash GC surged into contention with a 5-under-par 66, joining a four-way tie for third at 8-under 134 alongside Sebastian Munoz (Torque GC), Cameron Tringale (HyFlyers GC), and Lucas Herbert (Ripper GC).
Beginning his round on the second hole, Niemann navigated a challenging early stretch, including the tricky par-3 and the intimidating tee shot on No. 3. However, he quickly found his rhythm, making birdies on the third and par-5 fourth, including a spectacular bunker shot that led to another birdie.
Reflecting on his round, Niemann said, “It was a pretty solid day. I was hitting the ball really nice and putting really well, which helped me capitalise on more opportunities compared to the first round. That made the difference.”
Despite a late three-putt on the 18th that left him slightly frustrated, Niemann remained pleased with his performance and position on the leaderboard.
“I felt like both rounds were pretty similar in terms of ball-striking. I took advantage of the par-5s and hit my driver well. But today, my putting was on, and that kept me in the round,” he explained.
Torque GC sits seven shots behind 4Aces in the team championship at 11-under. While Niemann’s round was the highlight for his squad, he remains optimistic about their chances in the final round. “It wasn’t the best day for the team overall, but we’re still in it. Seven shots isn’t much when four scorecards count on Sunday. We’re excited for the challenge,” he said.
“The wind and course conditions make every shot tricky. My main goal is to stay committed to each shot and stay in the present moment,” he said.
Beyond just the tournament victory, Niemann has his sights set on the U.S. Open exemption awarded to the top player in the LIV standings. Currently trailing Sergio Garcia, Niemann knows a strong finish could improve his chances. “Obviously, winning is my main focus; if I do that, everything else will take care of itself. But yes, earning that U.S. Open spot is definitely on my mind.”
Niemann is set to play the final round alongside two-time major champion Dustin Johnson, who has been battling minor physical struggles but remains in strong form. “DJ is playing great. It’s always fun competing with him. I remember our final-round battle in Boston 2022, where he made an incredible putt to win in a playoff. Hopefully, I can get one back tomorrow,” Niemann said with a smile.
Captain Dustin Johnson of 4Aces GC. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf)
Johnson’s round started slow as he struggled to find early birdies. However, he gained momentum with three consecutive birdies on holes 7, 8, and 9. Despite a bogey on the 10th and another on the 12th, he recovered well and remained steady throughout the round.
Niemann is a familiar opponent for Johnson. The two previously faced off in a dramatic final-round playoff at LIV Golf Boston in 2022, where Johnson sank a long putt for the victory.
“I’ve played with Joaco a lot. Obviously, he’s a really good player and has been playing great this season. It’s going to be a tough challenge tomorrow. I just have to go out, play my game, and see what I can do,” Johnson said.
Reflecting on his play, Johnson said, “It was a good solid day. Didn’t really make anything early, then kind of got on a little bit of a run there on 7, 8, 9. Thought I hit a good tee shot on 10, but it ended up in the bunker and made a five there. Then bogeyed 12, but played pretty solid from there on in.”
4Aces GC has managed to maintain their lead at 18-under. “Obviously, I’m in a good position with a chance to win, but I need to go out and play really well. There are a lot of really good players right around the lead, so nothing is safe,” he stated. “Team-wise, all four of us have to play well again, and then we’ll have a chance to win come the last few holes.”
Although 4Aces GC dominated the team competition in previous seasons, they have not secured a team victory since London 2023.
“Last year was probably a little frustrating, and it’s still early this year, but it seems like we’re all playing pretty solid right now. That’s the key to winning out here—you need all four guys playing well.”
Having battled minor injuries recently, he feels physically strong heading into the final round. “No, body feels good. I feel like I’m swinging well, moving through the ball nicely, hitting many quality golf shots. I was kind of leading into Hong Kong, too, and then it was just an unfortunate situation there because I didn’t really do anything to injure myself. I think I slept funny. It happens.”
With steady ball-striking and a hot putter, Kokrak has positioned himself as a contender heading into the final round at Sentosa Golf Club.
Jason Kokrak of Smash GC. (Photo by Mike Stobe/LIV Golf)
“Pretty solid round. Just bogeyed the last. Kind of a little bit of a bail-out, but I played well overall, made some nice putts, and the putter is staying hot. Hopefully, I can keep that going,” he said.
“Before this week, my game was a little up and down, but I got on top of it. I hit a lot more flush iron shots and drove the ball well,” he explained. “Ball-striking has always been my strength, and this week, my short game and putting have really come together.”
Kokrak will start the final round three shots behind leader Joaquín Niemann and have to fend off strong competition, including former World No. 1 Dustin Johnson. “Joaquín is one of the best players in the world right now, and DJ is a proven champion. It’s definitely a tough battle ahead, but I believe my game suits this course well. If I stay patient and give myself birdie chances, I like my chances.”
