Niemann's Round 1 Performance
Joaquin Niemann began the LIV Golf New York tournament with a flawless 7-under 64, securing a two-shot lead. His impressive performance at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster was marked by exceptional putting and strong ball-striking throughout the day.
Niemann rolled in approximately 140 feet of putts, a major factor in his success. He also led the field in Greens in Regulation, highlighting his accuracy on the course. Additionally, he topped the field in Strokes Gained Off the Tee and Strokes Gained Approach, underscoring his all-around performance.
This round marked Niemann tying for his lowest score relative to par in his 41 LIV Golf rounds in 2026. He credited his putting for the success on the course, noting that it is a key component in his game. 'The putts are going in, which is nice,' Niemann said, expressing his satisfaction with the performance.
The Torque GC captain played a major role in his team's strong start, as Torque grabbed a three-shot lead on the team leaderboard. Niemann's performance sets up high expectations for the rest of the week, as he looks to build on this strong start. His previous success, including a historic 59 in the 2024 season opener, has set a precedent for what he can achieve.
Herbert's Challenge
Lucas Herbert, the league's hottest player, finished with a bogey-free 61 to sit in second place. His impressive form includes a recent win at LIV Golf United Kingdom, where he achieved a record 30-under total, showcasing his strong performance.
Herbert managed to escape trouble by successfully scrambling all eight times on Thursday, demonstrating his ability to recover from difficult situations. He has only recorded one bogey in his last 63 holes, a testament to his consistency and focus.
Herbert expressed his confidence in his current form, stating that he has been enjoying the momentum. However, he noted that he felt slightly less comfortable than at the JCB event in England, where he delivered one of his best performances. 'I didn’t feel quite as comfortable today as I did at JCB,' Herbert said, acknowledging the high expectations he faces.
Poulter's Form
Ian Poulter, at 50 years old, was also bogey-free on Thursday, sitting in second place. His recent form has seen improvement, with three top 20s in his last four LIV Golf starts, including a season-best T15 in the UK. This consistency highlights his experience and adaptability on the course.
Poulter's best performance this season was a T15 in the UK, where he demonstrated his skills under pressure. He also finished solo fourth in his senior major debut at the U.S. Senior Open, proving his ability to compete at a high level.
Poulter is aiming to replicate the success of his former teammate Henrik Stenson, who won the individual title at Bedminster in 2022. He believes the course could provide the opportunity for a win. 'I hope there's a lovely little bit of mojo going on at this place,' Poulter said, expressing his confidence in the team and the course.
The Majesticks GC team has had a strong showing, finishing second at the previous event at Bedminster, their best-ever team result. With Poulter leading the way, the team is hoping to build on this momentum and achieve a strong finish.
However, they have not won since the regular-season finale last year in Indianapolis. Niemann is hopeful for a return to victory this week, as the team is playing well. The whole team is playing great,' Niemann said, expressing his belief in the team's potential.
Niemann's performance on Thursday sets the stage for an exciting tournament, as he looks to capitalize on his strong start. With his history of success and the current form of his team, expectations are high for what could be a historic week at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.