Niemann Wins LIV Golf New York as Rahm Secures Third Straight Season Title
NEW JERSEY — August 9, 2026 — Joaquin Niemann led from start to finish to win the LIV Golf New York event on Sunday, while Jon Rahm secured his third consecutive LIV Golf individual season title.
Niemann closed with a two-under-par 69 at Trump National Bedminster to finish at 16 under par after 72 holes. The Chilean defeated American Harold Varner III by three strokes to claim his second LIV Golf victory of the year and ninth overall.
The victory further strengthened Niemann’s record as the most successful player in LIV Golf history, with nine individual titles — four more than any other player.
“I feel like the more they push me, the better golfer I’m going to become from every experience,” Niemann said after his victory.
England’s Lee Westwood and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent finished tied for third at nine under par, seven strokes behind Niemann. Englishman Paul Casey and Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin were among those finishing at six under, while Richard Bland ended at one over.
Despite finishing tied for 41st after a final-round 76, Rahm had already done enough over the season to secure the individual championship. The Spaniard holds an unassailable 219-point advantage over American Bryson DeChambeau with only one individual event remaining.
Rahm, ranked 13th in the world, has won twice in 2026, claiming victories in Hong Kong and Mexico. He has also recorded four runner-up finishes in 12 events.
The 31-year-old won the LIV season title last year without winning an individual event. This season, however, his two victories and consistent performances have allowed him to retain the championship.
“It has been a great year,” Rahm said. “A little sour taste in my mouth because of how badly I played this week, but it has been something to be proud of.”
“After last year, not getting a win and possibly having a question mark over the season-long race, to win twice and win it again definitely feels good,” he added.
Niemann’s victory came at a venue owned by U.S. President Donald Trump, with the Chilean meeting Trump after securing the title.
The LIV Golf individual season will conclude at Indianapolis in two weeks, before the league stages its team championship in Michigan from August 27-30.
Final LIV Golf New York leaderboard
- 16 under: Joaquin Niemann (Chile)
- 13 under: Harold Varner III (United States)
- 9 under: Lee Westwood (England), Scott Vincent (Zimbabwe)
- 6 under: Paul Casey (England), Tom McKibbin (Northern Ireland)
- 3 under: Laurie Canter (England)
- 1 over: Richard Bland (England)
Analysis: Niemann’s New York Victory Highlights LIV Golf’s Competitive Depth
Joaquin Niemann’s victory at LIV Golf New York was more significant than simply adding another trophy to his growing collection. His three-shot win at Trump National Bedminster demonstrated the Chilean’s consistency, resilience and growing status as one of LIV Golf’s leading players.
Niemann entered the final round with the advantage of having led throughout the tournament, and he maintained control with a two-under-par 69. Finishing at 16 under par, he stayed ahead of Harold Varner III, who finished three shots behind. The result gave Niemann his second LIV victory of the 2026 season and ninth overall.
That record is particularly important because it shows how consistently Niemann has performed since joining the breakaway circuit. According to the report, his nine victories are four more than any other LIV player. His latest success therefore strengthens his argument as one of the league’s most accomplished individual competitors.
Niemann’s comment that pressure can make him a better golfer also offers insight into his development. Rather than viewing expectations as a burden, he appears to be using them as motivation. That mentality could become increasingly important as LIV Golf continues to attract greater attention and its players compete for recognition alongside those on the traditional PGA Tour.
The biggest storyline of the tournament, however, may have been Jon Rahm securing the season championship despite a disappointing performance in New York. Rahm finished tied for 41st after shooting a 76 in the final round, but his strong season had already given him an unassailable 219-point advantage over Bryson DeChambeau.
Rahm’s championship is particularly notable because of the contrast with his 2025 campaign. He won the season title last year without recording an individual victory. This time, he has won twice, in Hong Kong and Mexico, while also producing four runner-up finishes in 12 events.
That consistency explains why Rahm was able to clinch the title even after struggling badly in the final round. His own assessment was balanced. While he admitted to having “a little sour taste” because of his performance that week, he also described the season as something to be proud of.
The contrasting fortunes of Niemann and Rahm underline LIV Golf’s growing competitive depth. Niemann finished the New York tournament as the dominant player on the course, while Rahm captured the season-long prize through sustained excellence over an entire campaign.
The individual season still has one event remaining in Indianapolis, but the main championship race is already settled. Attention will then turn to the team championship in Michigan from August 27-30.
Ultimately, Niemann’s victory and Rahm’s championship provide LIV Golf with two strong narratives: one player continuing to build an impressive winning record and another proving that consistency can be just as valuable as individual victories.
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