Joaquin Niemann Takes Another Dig At World Rankings After Latest LIV Golf Win

After clinching his second LIV Golf win of the year, the 25-year-old Chilean couldn't help but send another sly jab at the OWGR and Majors qualification

Joaquin Niemann of Torque GC poses for a photo with his trophy after winning the LIV Golf Invitational - Jeddah at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club on March 03, 2024 in King Abdullah Economic City , Saudi Arabia
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Joaquin Niemann has had another dig at the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system following his victory at the LIV Golf Jeddah Invitational. 

The 25-year-old Chilean stormed to his second LIV victory in three starts thanks to a four-under 66 on his final round to win by four shots over Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel. 

It was his third win in the last three months, including victory at the Australian Open in December which led him on a path to receiving an invite to the Masters in April. 

Speaking on the LIV Golf broadcast after clinching the win, Niemann couldn't help but take a sly jab at the OWGR when asked if he was one of the leading favorites to win a Major this year.

“How is that possible? I’m like 100 in the world,” Niemann, who is actually currently 72nd in the world, replied with a cheeky grin. 

It’s not the first time he has spoken out about the OWGR and Majors qualification, with LIV players not eligible for world ranking points.

After winning the first LIV Golf tournament of the year at Mayakoba last month, his first words when interviewed on the broadcast were: “But I’m not in the Majors.”

He has since accepted an invite to the Masters and also secured a spot at The Open Championship thanks to his win in Australia in December.

Niemann has four top-five finishes on the Asian and DP World Tours since November last year.

He said his latest victory in Saudi Arabia felt “amazing” and he is proud of his current form.

“It's a super special moment. It's always nice when you win. I'm more proud of the way I'm playing right now, and the way I played out there today.

“It was a tough day. It was windy. I knew there was going to be some low scores, so I'm super happy. I'm proud of the way I'm playing. I just want to [move] on to the next one.”

Joel Kulasingham
News Writer

Joel Kulasingham is freelance writer for Golf Monthly. He has worked as a sports reporter and editor in New Zealand for more than five years, covering a wide range of sports including golf, rugby and football. He moved to London in 2023 and writes for several publications in the UK and abroad. He is a life-long sports nut and has been obsessed with golf since first swinging a club at the age of 13. These days he spends most of his time watching, reading and writing about sports, and playing mediocre golf at courses around London.