Joaquin Niemann, born on November 7, 1998, in Santiago, Chile, is a professional golfer who has rapidly ascended the ranks of the sport since turning pro in 2018. Known for his exceptional talent and competitive spirit, Niemann has made significant contributions to golf, including becoming the first Chilean to win on the PGA Tour.
Joaquin Niemann Early Life and Amateur Career
Niemann began playing golf at a young age, showing promise early on. He was ranked as the number one amateur golfer in the world for 44 weeks from May 2017 to April 2018. During this time, he won the prestigious Mark H. McCormack Medal for being the top-ranked amateur, which earned him exemptions into several major tournaments, including the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.
In 2018, Niemann further established his credentials by winning the Latin America Amateur Championship, which granted him entry into the Masters Tournament. He made his major debut at Augusta National in 2018 and showcased his potential by finishing tied for 39th.
Professional Career
Niemann turned professional before the 2018 Valero Texas Open, where he finished sixth in his debut tournament. His strong performance earned him Special Temporary Member status on the PGA Tour for the remainder of that season. He quickly secured a full PGA Tour card after finishing T5 at The Greenbrier.
In September 2019, Niemann achieved a historic milestone by winning A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier. This victory made him the first Chilean to win on the PGA Tour and the youngest international winner since 1923.
His second PGA Tour victory came in February 2022 at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished at 19-under par, two strokes ahead of Collin Morikawa and Cameron Young. This win further solidified his status as one of golf's rising stars.
Transition to LIV Golf
In August 2022, Niemann joined LIV Golf, a new professional golf league that has attracted significant attention and controversy within the sport. He was named captain of Torque GC and made an immediate impact by finishing runner-up in his first start at LIV Golf Invitational Boston, losing in a playoff to Dustin Johnson.
As of late 2023, Niemann has recorded multiple victories in LIV Golf events, including wins at LIV Golf Mayakoba and LIV Golf Jeddah in early 2024. His team has also excelled in the league, securing four team titles during the season.
Personal Life
Niemann is known for his philanthropic efforts; he donated a portion of his winnings to help fund treatment for his cousin suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare neuromuscular disease. Off the course, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and is known for his friendly demeanor.
He is currently based in Jupiter, Florida, where he continues to train and compete at high levels. Niemann's girlfriend is Christina Hellema Puga, who studied architecture at Universidad de Desarrollo in Chile.
Joaquin Niemann Conclusion
Joaquín Niemann's journey from a talented young golfer in Chile to a successful professional on both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf illustrates his dedication and skill. With multiple victories under his belt and a bright future ahead, Niemann is poised to become one of golf's leading figures. His achievements not only highlight his individual talent but also pave the way for greater representation of Latin American golfers on the international stage. As he continues to compete and grow within the sport, fans can expect exciting performances from this promising athlete.
