NEW JERSEY: Joaquin Niemann set the tone in brutal heat at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on Thursday, carding a bogey-free seven-under 64 to take the outright opening round lead of LIV Golf New York 2026.
The last time the Chilean held the solo first-round lead in LIV Golf was when he opened with a 59 at Mayakoba in February of 2024. He shared the round-one lead twice last season but never held it alone until Thursday, when he turned in 30 on the front en route to his two-shot cushion.
Behind him, Ian Poulter continued the best stretch of golf he has played all year. The Englishman carded a five-under 66 to sit tied for second, extending a run that has seen him post a fourth-place finish at the US Senior Open and a T15 at LIV Golf UK Presented by JCB 2026, his best LIV result of the season.
Poulter birdied his first two holes of the day and leaned on a gritty par save late to keep the card clean, all while battling the heat.
“It was so hot out here, it was outrageous. I’ve got a pounding headache,” Poulter said. “Hydrate, eat, do no practice, and just try to conserve some energy for the weekend.”
