Joaquin Niemann Secures Victory at 2024 PIF Saudi International
Joaquin Niemann Shifts Gears: From Near Miss to Major Triumph in Saudi Arabia
In a gripping showdown that had golf fans on the edge of their seats, Joaquin Niemann delivered a thrilling performance at the 2024 PIF Saudi International held in the dazzling city of Riyadh. The 26-year-old Chilean golfer, who recently faced a bitter disappointment coming in second at the 2024 LIV season, made a spectacular comeback, nabbing victory in a dramatic playoff against fellow LIV player Cameron Smith and Caleb Surrat.
High Stakes and Heart Stopping Moments
The Saudi International isn’t just any ordinary tournament; it’s part of the Asian Tour and was brought to life by the Saudi PIF, a group that also backs LIV Golf. So while LIV golfers, including Niemann, dominated the leaderboard, this event offered something rare for them—valuable world-ranking points, which are pivotal for their careers.
With the sauntering rhythm of golf taking center stage, Niemann outlasted a fierce nine-under charge by Smith on Sunday. Despite feeling the heat, he kept his cool when it mattered the most, showcasing his grit in the playoff round.
The Climb Back Begins
Prior to this victory, Niemann was on quite a rollercoaster ride in the world rankings. Previously, he soared as high as 15th back in 2022, given his two PGA Tour wins. But since hopping on the LIV bandwagon in August of that year, his ranking had taken a nosedive. Just a year later, he plummeted to 138th, well off the list for major championships.
But then, out of nowhere, Niemann turned the tide. After finishing strong at the DP World Tour Championship and the Australian Open, he jumped to 124th right before the Saudi International. Winning in Riyadh is not just a trophy for his shelf but is expected to catapult him into the top 75 players globally—an incredible feat!
Reflecting on Loss and Gaining Momentum
After the tournament, Niemann shared how the sting of losing the LIV title to Jon Rahm fueled his fire this past week. “The place where I finished second on LIV, I really wanted to win. I feel like I worked really hard for it. I was going to say I feel like I deserve it, but you don’t really deserve anything here in sports,” he remarked, embodying the true spirit of competition.
His triumph at the Saudi International, meanwhile, earned him a healthy sum of $1 million and the season-long International Series crown. Niemann had spent most of 2024 leading the LIV Golf season-long rankings, until Rahm snatched the title—and its staggering $18 million bonus—right from under him.
A Personal Celebration on the Horizon
But it’s not just professional victories that are bringing smiles to Niemann’s face this season. The young golf star revealed another exciting milestone in his life, as he’s set to tie the knot on December 21st. Yes, as families all around the world gear up for Christmas and New Year celebrations, Niemann will add his wedding festivities to the busy calendar—a double celebration that no doubt makes this season even more special for him and his loved ones.
As Niemann heads into a well-deserved time off, his future seems brighter than ever. With his recent triumph, not only has he secured his position in professional golf, but he also has something truly personal and joyous on the docket. What a way to wrap up the year!