Joaquin Niemann of Chile poses with the trophy after winning LIV Golf Korea at Asiad Country Club in Busan, Sunday. Yonhap

BUSAN — Joaquin Niemann is a golfer deeply in love with the sport and all the challenges that it brings.

The humbling game has made grown men cry in frustration and devastation, but on this warm Sunday in the southeastern part of Korea, the Chilean golfer was all smiles after winning LIV Golf Korea.

Niemann defeated Talor Gooch of the United States with a birdie on the first playoff hole at the par-70 Asiad Country Club in Busan. The two shared the 54-hole lead at nine-under and finished regulation all tied up at 12-under. Niemann then clinched his eighth career LIV Golf title — more than anyone in the tour's five-year history — with a brilliant second shot to the 18th green that set up an easy birdie.

Niemann, who won five times in 2025, earned US$4 million with his first victory of 2026.