Joaquin Niemann staged an impressive final-round performance to capture the LIV Golf Adelaide individual title, while Fireballs GC celebrated their dominance in the team competition.
Starting Sunday three shots behind the leader, Niemann delivered a flawless bogey-free 7-under 65, securing a three-stroke victory over Fireballs GC’s Abraham Ancer and his own Torque GC teammate Carlos Ortiz.
With this win, Niemann continues his strong form from last season, further cementing his place among the top contenders in the LIV Golf circuit.
Niemann’s Clutch Performance Seals Victory
The Torque GC captain knew he needed something special to close the gap at the start of Sunday’s round—and he delivered.
“Do something special,” Niemann said of his mindset heading into the final round.
His precision iron play set the tone for a stellar performance, hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation. His sixth birdie of the day at the 15th hole gave him the outright lead, and he never looked back.
While Niemann surged, Abraham Ancer, who led for most of the day, faltered in the closing stretch. The Fireballs GCstar dropped three bogeys in his final five holes, including back-to-back errors on 17 and 18, allowing Niemann to seize control.
Despite the disappointment of losing out on the individual title, Ancer remained optimistic.
“Obviously the last two holes were rough to finish with bogey-bogey, having a chance to win the tournament,” he said. “It’s always tough, but I think it’s just fuel for the rest of the season.”
This marks Niemann’s second career win in Australia, following his 2023 Australian Open triumph. The Chilean star believes his game is in even better shape than last year.
“Days like today make me grow as a player,” Niemann reflected. “There is a lot I have to take from today and learn from it because today was a really good day.”
Fireballs GC Clinch Team Title in Convincing Fashion
While Niemann walked away with the individual honours, Fireballs GC dominated the team competition.
With a final score of 21 under, Fireballs GC finished six shots ahead of Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII, while Niemann’s Torque GC settled for third place.
Fireballs captain Sergio Garcia played a crucial role in the team’s success, carding a solid 5-under 67, alongside an equally strong 67 from David Puig. Ancer and 22-year-old newcomer Luis Masaveu contributed with 71s, securing the team’s fifth tournament victory in club history.
Masaveu, experiencing his first LIV Golf team celebration, embraced the moment.
“I asked what I needed to do because it was the first time,” he said, referring to the traditional champagne celebration. “But I think I did it all right.”
Garcia praised his team’s effort but also acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the result, given Ancer’s late stumble.
“Bittersweet with Abe, the way he played,” Garcia said. “He was there the whole day, and it would have been nice to get the double. But super proud of the way they all fought.”
Fireballs GC’s victory cements their status as one of the most consistent teams in LIV Golf history, becoming the only team to have won at least one event in all four seasons of the league.
Looking Ahead: Niemann and Ancer Carry Momentum to Hong Kong
With his early-season form looking stronger than ever, Niemann will enter the upcoming LIV Golf Hong Kong event as a favourite to contend once again.
Meanwhile, Abraham Ancer will arrive at Hong Kong’s Cedar Ridge Country Club as the defending champion, eager to turn his strong Adelaide performance into a victory.
For now, Niemann can savour his first LIV Golf victory of 2024, while Fireballs GC celebrate another dominant team performance.
Final Team Standings – LIV Golf Adelaide
- FIREBALLS GC (-21)
- LEGION XIII (-15)
- TORQUE GC (-13)
- CRUSHERS GC (-12)
T5. HYFLYERS GC (-9)
T5. 4ACES GC (-9)
T5. MAJESTICKS GC (-9) - STINGER GC (-6)
- RIPPER GC (-1)
- IRON HEADS GC (+5)
- RANGEGOATS GC (+6)
- CLEEKS GC (+7)
- SMASH GC (+13)
