Joaquin Niemann’s Fourth LIV Golf Win Sparks Debate About His Global Status
Joaquin Niemann has just captured his fourth LIV Golf title of the season—an extraordinary feat not achieved since Talor Gooch won three back in 2023. What makes this even more impressive is the caliber of competition Niemann is facing today. Unlike Gooch, Niemann is fending off elite rivals such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, further solidifying his case as one of the best golfers in the world in 2025.
Mickelson’s Praise and the #1 Debate
Phil Mickelson has publicly praised Niemann, suggesting that the Chilean could be considered the “#1” golfer in the world. While some see this as a subtle jab at Scottie Scheffler, the claim isn’t entirely baseless. Niemann’s dominant form certainly places him in the conversation for a top-three global ranking—a massive compliment in a year where both Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have performed at elite levels.
2000 Tiger Woods would have no chance against LIV golf Niemann 😂
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) June 8, 2025
His most recent win at LIV Golf Virginia set off a wave of excitement among fans. Many claimed that Niemann was virtually unbeatable. This bold narrative prompted PGA Tour player Michael S. Kim to issue a sarcastic response on social media: “2000 Tiger Woods would have no chance against LIV golf Niemann 😂.” His post highlighted just how far-fetched some of the praise had become, especially when recalling Tiger Woods’ legendary 2000 season, in which he won nine titles, including three majors.
Tiger Woods’ Criticism of LIV Golf
Woods has long been an outspoken critic of the LIV Golf circuit. He has criticized players for abandoning the PGA Tour, the very institution that helped build their careers, for what he views as unsustainable financial gains. He has publicly stated his doubts about LIV Golf’s long-term viability, arguing that it does not offer a beneficial path for players’ futures.
Niemann’s Major Struggles
While Niemann’s LIV Golf record is impeccable this season, his performance in major championships tells a different story. At the 2025 Masters (ANGC), he tied for 29th, finishing 11 strokes behind Rory McIlroy. At the PGA Championship in Quail Hollow, he placed T8—seven strokes behind winner Scottie Scheffler. These results demonstrate that Niemann has yet to show dominance on golf’s biggest stages.
Michael S. Kim, despite not winning four LIV events, has also had a strong season with a near-victory at the WM Phoenix Open and multiple top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, which features much deeper fields than LIV Golf.
Competition Within LIV Golf
Even within LIV Golf, Niemann faces stiff competition. Bryson DeChambeau, for instance, was a strong contender at the 2025 Masters before a final-round stumble pushed him to T5. At the PGA Championship, he came close again, finishing second to Scheffler. As DeChambeau prepares to defend his 2024 U.S. Open title, his major credentials arguably surpass Niemann’s.
Jon Rahm, although not at his peak in 2025, has still managed consistent finishes, including a T14 at the Masters and a T8 at the PGA Championship—equaling Niemann’s result. His strong showings, even when not in top form, further highlight the gap Niemann must close before being considered truly elite.
The Verdict
Despite Phil Mickelson’s bold endorsement and Niemann’s red-hot LIV season, the comparison to Tiger Woods’ iconic 2000 campaign seems exaggerated. Niemann has yet to prove himself at the majors and must first outshine his LIV peers like Rahm and DeChambeau before being placed in the same conversation as today’s elite or legends like Woods. His current achievements are outstanding but fall short of rewriting golf history—at least for now.