Despite winning five tournaments in 2025, Joaquin Niemann is still searching for his first victory of the 2026 season.

Still, he is not forcing things as he goes into Sunday’s final round at LIV Golf Korea as a co-leader. He is trusting his process. On Saturday at Asiad Country Club in Busan, that approach helped him shoot a four-under 66.

Niemann and American Talor Gooch both sit tied at nine under par after 54 holes at Asiad Country Club. Niemann carded six birdies and two bogeys on the par-70 course Saturday. That included a birdie on the 18th hole to share the 54-hole lead. The champion on Sunday will collect $4 million.

LIV Golf's broadcaster caught up with Niemann after his round on Saturday. When asked if finishing in the top 10 at LIV Golf Virginia last week made him feel like his game was improving, he said, "Yeah, I mean, I've just been doing the whole process, trying to get better," Niemann said. "Sooner than later, it always pays off."

Niemann admitted in his post-round press conference that he had been "trying to be a little bit too perfect" this season. The patience required to stay with a process when results aren't coming is something he acknowledged had been tested.

"I just needed to get out of my way," he said. "I felt like I was able to flow a little bit better there today. Focusing on my routine and staying there, I felt like it paid off today."

He also spoke openly on the difference between last year's wins and the current winless year. "Last year, it was an exceptional year," he said. "This year, I feel like there is a lot of stuff going on, and it's just how golf and life work. I love the journey and the process of trying to get better."

Niemann will not start the final round alone at the top of the leaderboard. His co-leader is right there with him and has plenty of motivation to win as well.

Talor Gooch Brings His Own Winless Streak Into a Sunday Showdown at LIV Golf Korea

Gooch, who is tied with Niemann for the lead, is in a similar position going into Sunday's final round. He won three times in 2023 and once in 2025, but he is still searching for his first win of 2026.

Gooch shot a 69 in the third round. He made 14 straight pars before finally making a birdie on the par-5 15th hole. It was not a flashy round, but it was good enough to keep him tied for the lead.

Like Niemann, Gooch is also focused and plans to stick to his own game on Sunday.

"I'm going to try to hit a bunch of fairways, a bunch of greens, and make a bunch of putts," Gooch said Saturday.

He also said the course can easily punish players who try to get ahead of themselves or take risks too early. "Bogeys can sneak up on you quick," Gooch said. "You've got to stay very present on this golf course."

Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe is alone in third place at eight under par, just one shot behind the leaders. Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau is tied for sixth place at six under after shooting a one-under 71 in the third round. His round included three birdies and four bogeys.

Who do you think will win LIV Golf Korea on Sunday, Niemann or Gooch? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason