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Joaquin Niemann leads the opening round of LIV Golf New York

Golf: Niemann fires 64 to lead LIV Golf New York opener

Fast start at Bedminster

Joaquin Niemann opened LIV Golf New York with a 7-under 64 on Thursday to seize the first-round lead at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. The Chilean birdied four of his first five holes, reached 5 under by the par-5 eighth, and kept a clean card the rest of the way.

The round put him two clear of England’s Ian Poulter and Australia’s Lucas Herbert.

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Chasing more hardware

Niemann, 27, is hunting his ninth LIV Golf individual title and his second of 2026 after a five-win 2025. His 64 also lifted Torque GC, the team he captains, to the top of the standings at 4 under, three ahead of Ripper GC and HyFlyers GC.

Herbert arrived in form. He shot a 62 in the second round of last month’s Open Championship, matching the lowest round in major championship history, then won LIV Golf UK a week later. Poulter, 50, is chasing his first LIV win in five years and opened with birdies on his first two holes.

Big names left chasing

Several stars gave themselves ground to make up. Spain’s Jon Rahm, who owns a large lead in the season standings, managed only a 1-over 72. Cameron Smith, the 2023 Bedminster winner, carded a 4-over 75, and Bryson DeChambeau opened with a double bogey on the way to a 5-over 76.

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Author

  • Photo Pierre Boulben - Editor in chief - Sports

    Former journalist for French newspaper L’équipe and ESPN, I have been the News Editor for MathOdds for the past two years. Mainly in charge of the news and previews coverage as well as our data powered sports trends and cheat-sheets.


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