Busan: Joaquin Niemann captured the LIV Golf Korea title in a playoff, marking his eighth career victory. Niemann secured the win against Talor Gooch of the United States with a birdie on the first playoff hole at the par-70 Asiad Country Club, earning a winner's prize of US$4 million. Both players ended the regulation rounds tied at 12-under, leading to the sudden-death playoff where Niemann excelled with a precise second shot and a decisive putt.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this victory was Niemann's first since achieving five wins in 2025. In the team standings, Crushers Golf Club, led by Bryson DeChambeau, claimed its second consecutive LIV Golf Korea title with a combined score of 23-under, taking home US$3 million. Korean Golf Club finished 10th, with Song Young-han leading at six-under and newcomer Mun Do-yeob at two-under. Despite a challenging season, the team improved from last place in previous tournaments.
Niemann and Gooch both shared the 54-hole lead at nine-under and remained tied through four holes on Sunday, each managing a birdie. Meanwhile, defending champion DeChambeau and Ben Campbell made early strides with three birdies in the initial six holes, reaching nine-under. Cam Smith also reached nine-under but fell out of contention after a double bogey at the par-3 sixth.
Gooch took the lead at 11-under with a birdie at the fifth, but Niemann matched him with a birdie on the seventh, staying competitive. DeChambeau added pressure with a birdie at the eighth, though Gooch and Niemann pulled away with matching birdies to reach 13-under. Gooch's bogey at the ninth gave Niemann a one-shot lead entering the back nine.
As the round progressed, Niemann and Gooch traded shots, leading to a tie at 12-under after Niemann's bogey at the 11th. Gooch three-putted for bogey at the 12th, while DeChambeau joined him at 11-under with a birdie at the 15th. Gooch's birdie at the 16th brought him back to 12-under, setting the stage for a playoff after both players finished the final holes with pars.
In the playoff, Niemann capitalized on his shorter putt at the 18th, securing the birdie and the tournament win.