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.”
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.”
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