Joaquin Niemann Wins Thrilling Saudi International

Riyadh: A Thrilling Finish to the Saudi International

Well folks, what a nail-biter we witnessed at the Riyadh Golf Club over the weekend! Joaquin Niemann managed to secure a hard-fought victory at the Saudi International, taking down fellow LIV Golfers Cameron Smith and Caleb Surratt in a gripping three-way playoff.

Setting the Scene

As the final round kicked off, Niemann shot out of the gate with a slender one-shot lead over Surratt, who had just smashed the course record with an incredible 61 on Friday. And let’s not forget Peter Uihlein, another LIV golfer looking to clinch his third International Series win of the year. Talk about a packed leaderboard!

Early Birdies and Rivalry

Right from the start, Niemann couldn’t have hoped for a better opening. He birdied the first three holes, giving him momentum and setting the stage for what was to come. Surratt, not one to lag behind, also kicked off the round strong with birdies on the first and third holes. Meanwhile, Uihlein seemed to hit a wall, struggling through nine straight pars before he fell apart with a bogey on the 10th and a double-bogey on the 11th.

Charging Forward

As Niemann and Surratt played solidly, let’s talk about Cameron Smith. He was trailing five shots behind but didn’t let that stop him. The Aussie delivered a jaw-dropping nine-under 62, showcasing his skills and putting him in a position to chase that elusive Asian Tour title.

The Rollercoaster Ride of the Final Round

With a mix of highs and lows, Niemann continued his steady ascent. He rolled in birdies on the ninth, 10th, and 12th before hitting a couple of bumps with bogeys on the 14th and 18th. Surratt was right there with him, nabbing birdies on the sixth, seventh, 11th, and 13th, but both players stumbled on the 18th, meaning they finished the round tied with Smith to head into the playoff. Excitement was palpable—who would come out on top?

Playoff Drama

In the playoff, each golfer matched each other with birdies on the first hole, adding to the suspense. However, it was on the second playoff hole where Niemann proved to be the standout performer. He rolled in another birdie, while both Smith and Surratt came up short. And just like that, Niemann had snagged the victory!

A Major Win for Niemann

This win meant more than just a trophy; it positioned Niemann at the top of the International Series rankings. Following his remarkable performance, he will notch up significant prize money amounting to $1 million and his world ranking is set to soar from 124th to a provisional 73rd. This can redefine his career, bringing him closer to qualifying for next year’s Majors.

What’s Next?

With Niemann taking the spotlight, Uihlein couldn’t capitalize on this opportunity, which means no one will secure a LIV Golf contract through the International Series for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, things didn’t go as planned for Ben Campbell either; despite a strong final round of 64 that nearly got him into the playoff, he was left just one shot shy.

Conclusion

As the dust settles on this thrilling event, Niemann can reflect on an incredible year that already included two LIV Golf victories. The excitement of the Saudi International will linger as golf fans eagerly await what’s next on the tour. What a way to cap off the season!