Joaquin Niemann wins LIV Golf Korea, record eighth win

Joaquin Niemann won LIV Golf Korea in a playoff on Sunday, defeating Talor Gooch to secure a record eighth individual victory on the circuit. The Chilean golfer clinched the title with a birdie on the first extra hole at the par-70 Asiad Country Club in Busan, South Korea.

Niemann and Gooch finished the 54-hole regulation play tied at 12-under-par. In the sudden-death playoff, both players returned to the 18th tee. Niemann sealed the victory by hitting his approach shot to within a few feet of the pin and sinking the subsequent birdie putt. Gooch could only manage a par. The win marks Niemann's first of the 2026 season and extends his lead as the tour's all-time individual wins leader.

The final round was a tense battle between the two, who began the day sharing the lead. Niemann appeared to gain an edge with a strong front nine, but Gooch responded by sinking a long birdie putt on the 16th hole to draw level. Both players parred the final two holes of regulation, forcing the playoff. Niemann had a chance to win on the 72nd hole, but his birdie attempt from 20 feet narrowly missed.

Niemann, who won five times in 2025, said he was relieved to return to the winner's circle. He...