GAINESVILLE, Va. — Chile`s Joaquín Niemann emerged victorious at LIV Golf Virginia on Sunday, marking his fourth win in the first eight tournaments of the Saudi-backed tour`s season. He sealed the title with a final round score of 63, an impressive 8 under par, finishing one stroke ahead of competitors Graeme McDowell and Anirban Lahiri.
Niemann pulled away from a crowded leaderboard by sinking birdies on holes 14 through 17. He then secured par on the challenging par-4 18th hole to reach a final tournament score of 198, 15 under par, at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
This year alone, the 26-year-old Niemann has also celebrated wins in Australia, Singapore, and Mexico. These recent successes bring his total LIV career victories to six, complementing his two wins on the PGA Tour.
“It feels great to be in this place, in this position right now,” Niemann commented. “I`m pretty thankful.”
Graeme McDowell finished his round with a 66, while Anirban Lahiri, who had held the lead after the second round, posted a 68.
Bryson DeChambeau, who is preparing for his U.S. Open title defense at Oakmont, shot a 65, tying for fourth place alongside golf veterans Phil Mickelson (65) and Bubba Watson (67). All three finished the event at 13 under par.
Jon Rahm concluded the tournament at 10 under par after a final round of 68.
DeChambeau and Lahiri were key contributors to the Crushers GC team`s victory, securing their second consecutive team title and a record eighth overall. Paul Casey and Charles Howell III rounded out the winning team lineup.
“We`re a beast of a team,” DeChambeau stated about his squad.
Highlighting the final round was Phil Mickelson`s remarkable backward chip shot from a steep slope in thick rough near the green, which resulted in a late birdie.
“One of my better ones,” Mickelson remarked about the shot.
DeChambeau added his praise, saying: “Vintage Phil. Got to be one of the greatest shots I`ve ever seen in my entire life.”
