Joaquin Niemann Survives Playoff Drama to Capture LIV Golf Korea Title as Crushers GC Win Team Crown
Joaquin Niemann gives a thumbs up to the crowd before he tees off from the first hole Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, during day two of LIV Golf Indianapolis at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield.
Joaquin Niemann gives a thumbs up to the crowd before he tees off from the first hole Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, during day two of LIV Golf Indianapolis at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield.
Torque GC Captain Joaquin Niemann secured his first title of the season as he won LIV Golf Korea at the Asiad Country Club. However, it took a sudden-death playoff to separate him and OKGC Captain Talor Gooch.
At the end of the third round, Niemann and Gooch shared the lead at 9-under. Both looking for their first win of the season, they headed into the closing round with an attacking mindset.
“I feel like every hole was kind of like a match play. “It was fun out there. I really enjoy the feeling of winning again.” Niemann said.
May 16, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Joaquin Niemann putts on the 17th hole during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
May 16, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Joaquin Niemann putts on the 17th hole during the third round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
On Sunday, Niemann performed at a high. The Chilean scored four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the front nine to take the lead.
However, Gooch was not making things easy. On the back nine, Gooch landed a 28-foot birdie on the 16th hole to share the lead with LIV Golf’s youngest captain. Both the captains finished at 12 under after the final round.
Finally, in the playoff, Niemann’s approach from 150 yards ended up within six feet of the pin. That was the difference as Gooch’s tee shot fell short. The 27-year-old sank the birdie putt to seal his victory.
With the win, Niemann further cemented his place as the league’s most successful player. He now has eight individual LIV titles to his name, three more than any other player in LIV’s history.
Niemann secured a prize of $4 million from the victory, and on the other hand, Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC lifted the team title.
Gooch was also looking for his first win of the season. However, as things came to pass, he couldn’t cross the finish line.
Talor Gooch On Coming Up Short At LIV Korea
OKGC Captain Talor Gooch’s last win came at the 2025 LIV Golf Andalucia, where he edged Jon Rahm by one shot. He was looking for his fifth individual title at the Asiad Country Club.
“It's frustrating when you have a chance to win. That doesn't come too often in this game, so you want to capitalize on it,” said Gooch.
Gooch had the solo lead at the end of the second round. After scoring a bogey-free 69 in the third round, the 34-year-old shared the lead with Niemann.
The co-leaders displayed an intense battle in the closing round. However, Niemann’s birdie putt on the first playoff hole sealed the title, making Gooch wait longer for his first win of the season.
What are your thoughts on the final round at LIV Korea? Share them in the comments.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Souvik Roy