Niemann on track for fifth LIV Golf success of season

The Torque GC captain moved to 14-under par with an eight-under 65 on Saturday at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester, England. The Chilean racked up nine birdies with a lone bogey at the par-4 15th hole.

Bubba Watson (68) is in solo second at eight under, while fellow American Caleb Surratt (68), England's Paul Casey (68) and Poland's Adrian Meronk (70) are tied for third at seven under.

Niemann, already a four-time winner on the LIV Golf tour this season, taking him to six overall, is looking to add his to his titles at Adelaide, Singapore, Mexico City and Virginia.

"I had a great time. I made a lot of putts," he said.

"I was laughing at it sometimes because I'm not used to seeing so many of those going in, and it's kind of cool to see that.

"Other than that, I hit some good shots. Everything felt pretty much under control, off the tee, irons, putting. Yeah, just pretty happy the way I've been going through the last two days."

Niemann, who was joint-second here last year, had five birdies on the front nine, including three in a row at Nos. 1-3.

Niemann's Torque GC are also in front for the team championship at 24 under, three shots ahead of Legion XIII as they seek a first team title since 2023.

Watson knows it will take a hot round and perhaps poor weather to keep Niemann off the top of the podium.

"He's playing so good, you don't expect him to do anything, like come backwards," Watson said.

"Wind direction - I haven't looked at the weather. That can change a golf course or how we play it, pin setups.

"But we're going to give it our all and then hopefully that's good enough."

Five players are tied for sixth at six under, including Australia's Marc Leishman (71).

His Ripper GC captain Cameron Smith (72) sits at four under, with fellow teammates Matt Jones (72) two under and Lucas Herbert (74) one under.

Australian Associated Press