Joaquin Niemann’s dominant week hit its first speed bump — but he’s still very much in control. The 36-hole leader opened Saturday with a double bogey on the par-4 first, the first blemish on his card all week, before battling back with three birdies on his way to a 1-under 70. He heads into the final round at 14 under, still holding the outright lead at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
Niemann admitted the start stung but said he was able to reset quickly.
“Obviously not the best tee shot coming out to start the round, but it was kind of good to just be back into that moment,” Niemann said. “It was a little bit frustrating. I think I was able to handle it pretty good.”
A weather delay didn’t make things easier either.
“It was definitely more tricky. Coming out of a little rain delay, a 40-minute delay, made a good birdie there, but pretty tricky tee shot after that one,” he said. “I felt like I was able to do it right. I think I can do it better, so hopefully tomorrow we’ll have a good day.”
Asked how he manages the nerves of leading into a final round, Niemann kept it simple: “Just be grateful. I feel like if I just remember the good things that I have around me and the people around me, it’s just easy to go back to sleep. I have a good life.”
Harold Varner III made sure Niemann felt the heat, catching fire down the stretch for a 6-under 65 that pulled him within two shots at 12 under. It’s the continuation of a hot run for Varner, who has quietly been one of the most consistent players in the field all week.
“I’ve been playing well the last couple few tournaments and I’ve been working hard, and I feel like things are just going my way, and you want to just keep it stacking and attacking, and I feel like I’m doing that as well,” Varner said.
Lee Westwood stayed within striking distance as well, backing up his Friday 65 with a 2-under 69 to sit third at 10 under. The former World No. 1 is looking to become the oldest player to win on any major professional tour at 53 years old.
“I’m just pleased to be in good enough shape, my game still be at an elite level where I can compete with these guys that are some of the best in the world,” Westwood said. “Joaco (Niemann) is one of the best players in the world, in my eyes. You’ve got Jon Rahm and Bryson and Tyrrell, and they’re not even in contention this week. At 53 years of age, I think it’s quite an achievement to still be mixing it with the youngsters. If you go out there and watch us all playing, I’m giving up quite an advantage off the tee. Not all the time, I get the occasional one out there, but in general, I’m playing a different golf course, really.”
Tom McKibbin rounded out the top four at 7 under after a 1-under 70, while Sergio Garcia cooled off slightly with a 1-over 72 to sit fifth at 6 under.
Byeong Hun An, Thomas Pieters and Richard Bland are tied for sixth at 5 under, with Bland’s third-round 71 following up his blistering 64 on Friday. Scott Vincent sits alone in ninth at 4 under, and a trio of Lucas Herbert, Paul Casey and Younghan Song are tied for 10th at 3 under.
On the team side, Torque GC held onto the top spot at 1 under despite a tougher day on Saturday, with Sebastian Muñoz (76) and Carlos Ortiz (76) both stumbling behind Niemann’s 70.
Legion XIII moved into second at 1 over, powered by Caleb Surratt’s 68 and Tom McKibbin’s continued strong week. Tyrrell Hatton also chipped in with a 69.
Westwood’s Majesticks GC sits third at 5 over, with Westwood’s individual 69 keeping the English team in the mix.
This piece in partnership with LIV Golf.
