Niemann beats Gooch to win LIV Golf Korea championship

BUSAN: Chile’s Joaquin Niemann outlasted American Talor Gooch in a playoff to win LIV Golf Korea on Sunday, as Bryson DeChambeau fell just short with a final-day charge.

Niemann birdied the par-4 first extra hole at Asiad Country Club in Busan after a sublime approach shot to claim his first win of the season on the circuit.

Niemann claimed his eighth career victory on the circuit and admitted he was “pretty nervous” going into the playoff.

“I think my heart rate is a little bit up,” the 27-year-old said. “I feel like it’s just part of it. I just love this game. I love being in these moments.”

Two-time major champion DeChambeau finished one stroke behind Niemann and Gooch after a 5-under-par final round.

DeChambeau, last season’s LIV Golf Korea champion, had six birdies and a bogey after starting the day three shots off the pace.

“There was times where it felt amazing and times where it just leaked on me a little bit,” the American said. “I gave myself some chances, just wasn’t my day today.” Spain’s Jon Rahm finished eight shots behind the leaders.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced last month that it would cease bankrolling LIV after the 2026 season.

Elsewhere, Soo Bin Joo took a four-stroke lead into the final round ‌of the ShopRite LPGA after another strong showing in Galloway, New Jersey.

Joo, who was three strokes back after the opening round, maintained her momentum on a day where the scores were much higher, shooting a 3-under-par 68 to surge out to 8 under for the tournament.

After an opening round where the best round was 8 under and five players shot 6 under or better, the Bay Course at Seaview Hotel & Golf Club showed its teeth on Saturday with an assist from some heavy wind. The best