Why Joaquin Niemann Needs to Prove Himself in Majors

Guest article by student sports journalist Fin Tait.

Joaquin Niemann is currently ranked no.1 on the LIV Golf Tour, having won two of the four events that have so far taken place this season. His efforts on the LIV tour have proven himself worthy of invitation to the majors this season, beginning with the Masters at Augusta this April.

Following early career wins on the PGA Tour, Niemann was viewed as one of the best up and coming golfers on the tour. The highest he has ranked in the official world rankings was 15th, but since joining LIV he now sits at 83rd.

With the first major of the season close on the horizon, it is imperative that Niemann performs well - and he's definitely heading into it with some good form. However, the Chilean has failed to finish higher than 16th in any of the majors he has competed in so far in his career.

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The four major tournaments are the ultimate litmus test of a golfer's career, and Niemann's lack of results in them so far leaves him in a precarious position. For Niemann to ever be considered one of the best, he must rise to these occasions as and when they come. The best finish Niemann has recorded at the Masters so far is 16th in 2023.

However, it is much easier said than done. Not anyone can just turn up to Augusta and walk home in a fresh new green jacket. The pressure and intensity of these events is turned up to the max compared to standard PGA and LIV events. Golf is already a huge mental game, and this is even more the case for these major events - especially for LIV golfers who have even more of a point to prove.

With his big success on the LIV tour early on this season, a lot of eyes will be on Niemann this April. Other LIV golfers playing at Augusta this April include Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia. Many of these LIV players will feel the pressure as these events are crucial to them securing a place in the Ryder Cup this September.

Niemann first appeared in the Masters in 2018 where he competed as an amateur, however he couldn't quite make the cut at his first attempt.

Following this he made his first professional start at the Valero Open, where he finished 6th.

By the next season in 2019 Niemann had earned his full PGA Tour card. His first professional win came in the same season at the Military Tribute. This win made him the first PGA Tour winner from Chile and the youngest international tour winner since 1923. It's clear to see where the high expectations were forged.

Niemann's second win on the PGA Tour came in February 2022 at the Genesis Open, finishing 19-shots under par, two strokes ahead of Collin Morikawa in second place.

Since then, Niemann has moved to LIV Golf where he has continued to demonstrate his skill and poise, despite the opinions some hold over the standard of competition on that circuit.

So, with his current form, previous form and recent results considered, where will Niemann place this April?

It is one that is hard to predict, however you shouldn't be surprised if he is pushing the leaders come round four - he may even be one of the leaders heading into Sunday.

How do you think the Chilean will perform at Augusta this year? Will he crumble under the eyes of pressure? Or will he rise to the occasion and cement his name in golf history?