Chile’s Niemann off to strong start in first round of the Paris Olympics

Joaquin Niemann competed in three of the four majors this year but has no guarantee of a spot in any of next year’s fields. An Olympic gold medal this week would qualify him for all four majors in 2025 – but the Chilean star insists that is not his primary focus at Le Golf National.

“If you didn't have those four majors for a win, I would have the same intensity,” Niemann said Thursday. “I will have the same motivation to win. I mean, I feel like this is Olympics and [I've] got to focus more on winning medals than winning my way into the majors.”

LIV Golf’s current individual points leader is off to an excellent start in his chase for gold, shooting a 5-under 66 to leave him tied for third, three shots off the lead held by Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama.

The Torque GC captain eagled the par-5 third and had a bogey-free round until his final hole, the par-4 18th, when his errant drive found the rough, forcing him to lay up with his approach shot.

“I played solid for the whole day,” said Niemann, who tied for 10th three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics. “My problem is two tee shots on the last two holes but other than that, it was a great day. Gave myself a lot of chances, hit good iron shots.”

Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm, fresh off his first LIV Golf individual title last week at LIV Golf UK by JCB, shot an eventful 67 that included two eagles, four birdies, two bogeys and a double when the Spanish star found the water with his tee shot at the par-3 16th. The two eagles were a positive sign for Rahm, who had struggled recently on par 5s until Sunday’s back nine at JCB Golf and Country Club.

"It was a good day, a good result," said Rahm, who is tied for sixth. "I wasn't comfortable on the course but on the 13th and 12th, I saved some shots, so I had a great day, It's a shame that swing on 16; I didn't expect it. It was a terrible swing. I took an extra club to make sure I got to the green, but at the end, I finished well."

Rahm, whose last appearance at Le Golf National was the 2018 Ryder Cup when he beat Tiger Woods in Singles, said he was surprised at the reception he received. He was grouped with reigning Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele, winner of two majors this year, and Norway's Viktor Hovland.

"I didn't expect the noise there was and I didn't think I would get the welcome I got on the first tee," he said. "It was very emotional that there were so many Spaniards, and on top of that, a lot of non-Spanish public supporting me.

"Having the Olympic champion and winner of two majors like Xander, but it was an honor and I hope it will be just as good tomorrow."

Mexico's Carlos Ortiz (Torque GC) was 5 under through his first 11 holes before stumbling down the stretch to shoot 68, leaving him tied for 14th.

Rahm’s Spanish teammate David Puig (Fireballs GC) shot a 69 that included a run of three consecutive birdies on his front nine but two bogeys to end his round. Niemann's fellow Chilean Mito Pereira (Torque GC) also shot 69.

Mexico’s Abraham Ancer (Fireballs GC) shot a 70, while Poland’s Adrian Meronk (Cleeks GC) posted a 73.

Of the seven LIV Golf players competing for Olympic medals this week, Rahm is the only one who has exemptions into next year’s majors, thanks to his two recent major titles.

Thus, the added bonus of major exemptions is a much welcomed opportunity for LIV Golf players, whose pathways are limited to golf’s biggest tournaments due to restrictions on world ranking points access.

“I'm trying to win and whatever comes after that, it comes,” Niemann said. “I'm here just to have a good week and enjoy that and we'll see what it brings after that.”

OLYMPICS, ROUND 1 RESULTS

ROUND 2 TEE TIMES

9:11 am (local) | 3:11 am (EDT) - David Puig, Adrian Meronk

9:55 am (local) | 3:55 am (EDT) - Jon Rahm

10:22 am (local) | 4:22 am (EDT) - Carlos Ortiz

10:33 am (local) | 4:33 am (EDT) - Mito Pereira

11:06 am (local) | 5:06 am (EDT) - Joaquin Niemann

12:39 pm (local) | 6:39 am (EDT) - Abraham Ancer