Joaquin Niemann is trying to win LIV Golf Singapore, but he's also pining for this major

As he heads into the final day of play at the 2025 LIV Golf Singapore event, Joaquin Niemann understands that he'll be facing pressure to capture his fourth title on the fledgling circuit, but he knows there's an even bigger prize looming.

Niemann, who already has a berth into three of the four majors, would likely jump to the front of the line for an exemption into the U.S. Open at Oakmont this June if he holds off Dustin Johnson and the rest of the field at Sentosa Golf Club on Sunday. After a scintillating 64 on Saturday, he's tied for the lead with DJ at 11 under. Four players are tied for second at 8 under, including Jason Kokrak.

The USGA announced in February that a full exemption will be awarded to the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top 3 of the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 19, 2025. In addition, a local exemption will be awarded to the top 10 players from the 2025 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of April 7, 2025.

Niemann is currently fourth in the LIV standings, but a victory in Singapore would likely catapult him ahead of the current No. 1 (Sergio Garcia) as well as the next two on the list (Jon Rahm and Dean Burmester).

"First of all, I want to obviously win the tournament, and then I think all the rest will pay for itself. But it's definitely on my mind that if I got it, there's a spot for the U.S. Open which I'm not in," Niemann said. "Yeah, it would be nice to have a good Sunday and have that opportunity to go past Sergio and have that lead. I feel like I'm still a few weeks away from that qualifier cut, so this definitely will help."

Captain Dustin Johnson of 4Aces GC putts on the 14th green during the second round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club on Saturday, March 15, 2025 in Sentosa, Singapore. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/LIV Golf)

Niemann will be paired in the final round with Johnson, who followed up an opening-round 63 with a solid 68 on Saturday.

"He's playing great," Niemann said of Johnson. "He said he was struggling a little bit with his body in Hong Kong, and being able to see him grinding these last couple days, you can tell he's an athlete, and he's really talented. It's going to be a fun day tomorrow. I'm excited for that. H

"Hopefully we can both play some good golf and let the best win."

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Joaquin Niemann leads LIV Golf Singapore, trying to get into U.S. Open

Topics

LIV Golf Singapore 2025 odds, picks, field: Golf insider reveals best bets, sleepers, favorite to avoid

Eric Cohen has studied the 2025 LIV Golf Singapore field and locked in his top sleepers, favorite to avoid and best bets
CBS Sports - 1d
Koepka says he plans to fulfill contract with LIV

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka pushed back on Fred Couples' recent comments that he was unhappy playing in the LIV Golf League.
ESPN - 2d
LIV Golf wants to be more like F1 racing, says CEO

LIV Golf, the professional men's golf tour backed by Saudi Arabia, wants the game to be more like Formula 1 with well-heeled fans and ancillary entertainment.
CNBC - 2d
Garcia wins in Hong Kong; Phil on 1st LIV podium

Sergio Garcia carded a 7-under 63 to capture a double victory at LIV Golf Hong Kong, winning both the individual and team titles. Phil Mickelson shot a 64 to stand on his first podium as a LIV member.
ESPN - 5d
Sergio Garcia fends off Phil Mickelson to win individual, team titles at 2025 LIV Golf Hong Kong

The Spaniard continues to play some terrific golf on the circuit
CBS Sports - 6d
Justin Thomas 'past the level of exhaustion' with PGA Tour-LIV Golf negotiations: 'I'm glad I don't know more'

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan didn't have much of an update regarding the negotiations with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Liv Golf on Tuesday.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Brooks Koepka doesn't deny rumors that he's looking to return to PGA Tour

Asked about a return to the PGA Tour, the five-time major winner didn't exactly pledge loyalty to LIV.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Golf’s peace deal is no closer – is it time for PGA Tour to end talks with LIV?

With PGA Tour’s marquee event approaching and Trump’s intervention seemingly unsuccessful, the sport is at crossroads. An opening address from Jay Monahan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational here ...
The Guardian - 5d
PGA Tour: No news on reunification with LIV, but pace-of-play changes are coming

Commissioner Jay Monahan gave few specifics on the fractured state of golf ahead of The Players Championship.
Yahoo Sports - 4d

Joaquin Niemann is trying to win LIV Golf Singapore, but he's also pining for this major

Topics

Related

LIV Golf Singapore 2025 odds, picks, field: Golf insider reveals best bets, sleepers, favorite to avoid

Koepka says he plans to fulfill contract with LIV

LIV Golf wants to be more like F1 racing, says CEO

Garcia wins in Hong Kong; Phil on 1st LIV podium

Sergio Garcia fends off Phil Mickelson to win individual, team titles at 2025 LIV Golf Hong Kong

Justin Thomas 'past the level of exhaustion' with PGA Tour-LIV Golf negotiations: 'I'm glad I don't know more'

Brooks Koepka doesn't deny rumors that he's looking to return to PGA Tour

Golf’s peace deal is no closer – is it time for PGA Tour to end talks with LIV?

PGA Tour: No news on reunification with LIV, but pace-of-play changes are coming

More from Yahoo Sports

MLB season preview 2025: Best-case and worst-case scenario, make-or-break player and season prediction for every NL team

Patriots missed on Cooper Kupp and other top WR targets. Now what?

Class 3A boys basketball: Millwood defeats Cascia Hall to win state championship

Can Tampa Bay Catch Lightning In A Bottle And Return To Their Championship Ways?

Bears OL Joe Thuney explains why he wanted to play for Ben Johnson

More in Sports

Champions League qualification is the only positive Man City have left -- and they might miss it

Patriots missed on Cooper Kupp and other top WR targets. Now what?

MLB season preview 2025: Best-case and worst-case scenario, make-or-break player and season prediction for every NL team

Class 3A boys basketball: Millwood defeats Cascia Hall to win state championship

Can Tampa Bay Catch Lightning In A Bottle And Return To Their Championship Ways?