Niemann Expresses Disappointment at Missing Presidents Cup Due to LIV Affiliation
Joaquin Niemann, the 25-year-old golfer from Santiago, Chile, has
voiced his disappointment about not being selected for the 2024 Presidents Cup International Team. Despite being one of the top golfers in the world, Niemann’s participation was hindered due to his association with LIV Golf. Team captain Mike Weir had previously announced that players from LIV would not be considered for selection.
Niemann shared his feelings with reporters during a conference call ahead of the LIV Golf Chicago event at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Illinois. He expressed how difficult it is to miss out on playing in one of golf’s prestigious events.
“It sucks,” Niemann said frankly. “I would love to be on that team. It’s supposed to feature the best golfers from around the world, and that’s not happening right now.”
Niemann has already made a name for himself in the Presidents Cup. He was a part of the International Team in 2019, and if it hadn’t been for the pandemic postponing the 2021 edition, he likely would have been selected again. However, by the time the tournament was rescheduled, Niemann had already left the PGA Tour for LIV, which affected his eligibility.
Niemann’s golfing career has been impressive. He debuted on the PGA Tour in 2018 and quickly made waves by securing his first win at A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier in 2019. That victory made him the youngest PGA Tour winner in 95 years. In 2022, he secured his second win at the Genesis Invitational. In 2024, Niemann found further success with two victories in LIV Golf—one in Mayakoba, Mexico, and the other in Jeddah.
The 2024 Presidents Cup, set to begin on September 24 at the Royal Montreal Golf Club, will feature some of the best international talent, but unfortunately, without Niemann. The automatic qualifiers for the International Team include Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Tom Kim, Im Sung-jae, and An Byeong-hun (South Korea), along with Jason Day and Adam Scott (Australia). Captain Mike Weir also added captain’s picks, selecting Kim Si-woo (South Korea), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (South Africa), Min Woo Lee (Australia), and three Canadian players—Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, and Mackenzie Hughes.
While Niemann is continuing his strong performances with LIV Golf, his absence from the Presidents Cup is a reminder of the growing divide in professional golf due to the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. For now, Niemann will focus on his upcoming events with LIV, but his passion for representing his country on the international stage remains clear.