Niemann shines in Adelaide as Fireballs secure team title

Starting Sunday’s final round three strokes off the lead, Joaquin Niemann had a clear objective—make something special happen. The Torque GC captain did just that, surging to victory in LIV Golf Adelaide, marking his second early-season triumph in as many years.

Last season, Niemann won two of the first three events and led the standings before finishing second to Legion XIII’s Jon Rahm in the Individual Championship. His recent form has been even stronger, coming off a victory at the PIF Saudi International and securing the International Series title.

“Days like today help me grow as a player,” said Niemann, who added another Australian title to his resume after winning the 2023 Australian Open. “There’s a lot to learn from this, and I know I’ll only keep improving. Chasing leaders on Sundays can only make my game stronger.”

Meanwhile, Fireballs GC celebrated a dominant team victory, finishing six strokes ahead of Rahm’s Legion XIII, with Torque placing third. Despite a bogey-bogey finish, Abraham Ancer, a former Australian Open champion, remained optimistic.

“The last two holes were tough, but I’ll use it as fuel for the rest of the season,” said Ancer, who enters LIV Golf Hong Kong as the defending champion. “My game is trending in the right direction.”

Ancer, who shared the 36-hole lead, set the pace early with birdies on his first two holes. He stayed bogey-free until the par-3 14th, where a bunker shot cost him a stroke. Niemann, playing ahead of him, capitalized with six birdies and a stellar iron game, hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation and shooting a final-round 65.

The Fireballs’ victory was their fifth in club history across four continents. Captain Sergio Garcia and David Puig carded 67s, while Ancer and newcomer Luis Masaveu shot 71s.

“Bittersweet for Abe, but proud of how everyone fought,” said Garcia. For Masaveu, the post-round champagne celebration was a first. “I asked what to do, but I think I got it right,” he joked.

Smiled Garcia: “Quick learner.”

Photo – LIV Golf