Niemann claims record-breaking LIV win, Saffa shares fifth

Stimpmeter · July 28, 2025, 4:45am

Joaquin Niemann continued his scintillating form on the LIV Golf circuit with a wire-to-wire victory at LIV Golf UK by JCB, securing a record fifth title of the 2025 season and his seventh overall – both new benchmarks for the breakaway league.

The 25-year-old Chilean carded rounds of 65, 63 and 68 to finish on 17 under par, three clear of Bubba Watson, who delivered a vintage back-nine charge.

Niemann’s triumph came just a week after parting ways with both his coach and caddie following a missed cut at The Open Championship, making his emphatic response in Staffordshire all the more impressive.

In a tournament he led from start to finish, Niemann was dominant across all departments, ranking among the top performers in tee-to-green play and putting. As captain of Torque GC, he once again underscored his stature as one of the most consistent forces in LIV Golf.

While Niemann looked largely unbothered for much of Sunday, Watson came alive over a stunning stretch on the back nine, going birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie from holes 9 through 14.

The 44-year-old RangeGoats GC skipper pulled within two shots with four to play before Niemann responded with a birdie at the 15th to stretch his lead and steady the ship.

Watson closed at 14 under, his best LIV finish to date.

Young gun Caleb Surratt (21) produced his most impressive performance yet with rounds of 67, 68 and 65 to finish third on 13 under.

His Sunday round helped power Legion XIII to their second consecutive team title and fifth of the season. The victory also marked their eighth in the last two years, extending their lead atop the season-long standings ahead of the Team Championship in Michigan.

Talor Gooch continued his strong run of form with a closing 66 to finish solo fourth on 11 under, following up his win at LIV Golf Andalucía.

Stinger GC’s Dean Burmester also impressed, finishing on 10 under after a four-under 67. The South African, who has enjoyed a solid stretch on both LIV Golf and the DP World Tour this year, claimed a share of fifth, along with Legion XIII’s Jon Rahm, who charged home with a six-under 65.

On the team leaderboard, Legion XIII surged to a seven-shot win thanks to consistent contributions across the board. Surratt and Rahm led the way, while Tom McKibbin (T11) and Tyrrell Hatton (T21) rounded out another strong collective effort.

Torque GC, in pursuit of their first team win since 2023, came up short after a two-over 73 from Carlos Ortiz. Mito Pereira’s level-par 70 and a two-under 69 from Sebastian Munoz left them unable to match the relentless pressure from Legion XIII.

Photo: LIV Golf

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