Joaquin Niemann took six holes to get going Saturday and then ran off six birdies on his way to a six-under 64, giving him a two-shot lead in LIV Golf Jeddah as he goes for his second LIV win in three starts this year.
Australian LIV newcomer Lucas Herbert is among the Chilean’s chasers, four shots behind in joint-fifth place after his four-under-par round at Royal Greens on Saturday.
But for comeback man Anthony Kim, Saturday was another struggle. Competing after being away from golf for nearly 12 years, he started the second round with three bogeys and a double bogey and wound up with another 76, leaving him 25 shots behind after two rounds.
Niemann took until his third season on LIV to win, and now he goes for his second title. He won the season opener in Mexico, where he shot 59 at Mayakoba and eventually won in a playoff.
The Chilean says he was motivated in the off-season by not being in the majors. The Masters have since extended him an invitation based on three strong performances on the European tour, including an Australian Open victory.
“I’m still a long, long way away from the position where I want to be,” said Niemann, who was at 13-under 127.
“I just go from there, and hopefully tomorrow have a great day, too, see my shots, stay calm and just do the same.”
Jason Kokrak (62) and Louis Oosthuizen (66) were two shots behind. Masters champion Jon Rahm, who joined the Saudi-funded league in the offseason, had a 69 and was four behind, alongside fellow new boy Herbert, who shot a 66 .
Two-time defending champion Brooks Koepka (66) was eight shots adrift.
Source Agencies
