Joaquin Niemann has played all over the world since joining LIV Golf, but has been unable to earn the all-important Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points there. He thought he could play enough events on the points-earning DP World Tour and Asian Tour to eventually find his way to a major championship.
That approach paid off last year, with Augusta National and the PGA of America inviting Niemann to play in the first two majors of the year. His victory at last year's ISPS Handa Australian Open also earned him a spot in July's British Open at Royal Troon.
So after competing in the Australian Open again last week and tying for fifth, Niemann immediately hopped on a plane and flew to Saudi Arabia for this week's PIF Saudi International Tournament. Through 54 holes, he holds a one-stroke advantage over Americans Caleb Surratt and Peter Uihlein. Niemann shot a 6-under 65 on Saturday to take the sole lead. But after doing so, the Chilean made a hilarious joke about traveling the world.
When asked if jet lag and crossing the globe had an effect, Neiman said, “No, I have a great position with those airlines now and they like me.” answered.
“I'm ready. It's a little tiring, but after a little hard week of giving 100 percent, it makes me think about vacation. That week was 100 percent.”
Over the past month, Niemann has played in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Melbourne and is currently in Riyadh. His worst result in this section was tied for 23rd at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Now he has a chance to get his first professional win since March. At that time he won the LIV Golf Jeddah.
As for how he's preparing for the final round, Niemann hasn't made any changes to his approach.
“It's the same every day,” Neiman said.
“Go out and have some fun.”
Perhaps that's why he can traverse the world so easily.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
