Niemann maintains lead in Mexico – Golf News

Joaquin Niemann backed up his opening 12-under 59 with a stable 1-under 70 in windy circumstances throughout Saturday’s second spherical at LIV Golf Mayakoba to take four-stroke lead over Jon Rahm and Dean Burmester into Sunday’s ultimate spherical at El Camaleon.

“There’s so much that may occur in 18 holes,” mentioned Niemann mentioned after his second spherical, whereas featured 4 birdies and 4 bogeys. “I’m simply wanting ahead to Sunday. It’s going to be lots of enjoyable. I’m going to play with Jon [Rahm] for the primary time in a ultimate spherical, so I’m wanting ahead to the problem.”

Rahm shot a 4-under 67 that he described as a “unbelievable day on a a lot more durable golf course.” He hit a field-best 16 of 18 greens and made a number of par putts from 5-7 toes after an early bogey.

“I’m simply pleased that on my first begin that I’ve an opportunity to win. It’s that easy,” Rahm mentioned. “After having as a lot break day as I did, I’m at all times assured in myself, however I wasn’t certain I used to be going to return out, and to start out this fashion, I’m very, very happy.”

Burmester’s 5-under 66 tied for low spherical of the day. Like Niemann, he’s celebrated a crew win final 12 months as a member of the Stinger GC however not a person win. He’ll be within the ultimate group off the primary tee with Niemann and Rahm.

“Look, he’s the man to catch,” Burmester mentioned of Niemann. “There’s no higher place to be than proper behind him and watch what he’s doing as a result of that may dictate what it’s good to do generally.”

Niemann’s Torque leads the crew competitors at 15 underneath, 5 stroke forward of Rahm’s Legion XIII. Smash GC, with its revamped lineup that features 2023 Particular person Champion Talor Gooch, had the bottom crew rating (-8) on Saturday and moved into solo third.

For the primary time in LIV Golf’s common season, all 4 rounds will rely in direction of the crew scores on Sunday, due to a format change for the 2024 season. Torque will likely be on the lookout for its fifth crew victory general, having gained a league-leading 4 instances final season.

“There’s lots of golf to play,” Niemann mentioned. “There’s 4 scorecards we’ve acquired to publish tomorrow, which makes it extra fascinating.”