After beating the best golfers this year, he received the trophy from Tiger Woods.
It was more than enough.
Niemann overcome a few nerves and finished with an even-par 71. He became the first wire-to–wire winner at Genesis Invitational since 1953. He defeated Collin Morikawa, British Open champion, and Cameron Young, PGA Tour rookie by two shots.
All the top 10 players in the world began the week. The week ended with a Chilean 23-year old playing his best golf, starting at 63-63 and finishing the round just right to win.
It’s my favorite tournament of the year. Niemann stated that it has the best field and the best players. “It proves to me that I can compete with the top guys, that I can be up there on the world ranking,” Niemann added. It will give me confidence for the future.
To make the final round, Niemann was trailing by three shots. He made a 7-foot birdie at the eighth hole. Young then sailed to the green and made it bogey. Niemann continued his play by scoring an eagle at the par-5 11th.
He said, “I believe No. He said that 8 was big. I hit a great shot. Cameron hit it just above the green. It was my chance to come back stronger and I began playing the next holes more well.
Niemann spoke out about a value that is more than money on a day in which Dustin Johnson, Bryson deChambeau and Dustin Johnson said they would continue to play on the PGA Tour despite speculations of a Saudi-funded rival league.
“Everyone is here to compete with the best players in this world.” He said, “I’m here for the same.” “Winning a PGA Tour tournament, winning a trophy, Tiger being there, all the history behind it… there’s nothing else that can compare to this.”
Niemann missed the chance to break the oldest tournament scoring records on the PGA Tour. Niemann was 19-under 265 and one less than Lanny Watkins in 1985. Niemann had two bogeys in the back nine.
Morikawa hit an eagle chip at the famous and easily reachable 10th hole. Two late birdies allowed him to have a chance. In his attempt to win the tournament and become No.1, he missed a 10-footer at the 18th. He was ranked No. 1 in the world. He finished with a 66.
Young was making his 12th career PGA Tour appearance and finished as a runner up for the second consecutive season. He tied for second in Mississippi. Over the 36th hole, he faced Niemann and stayed with Niemann, but was unable to make up his deficit.
Young stated, “You finished tied for second at Riviera. I can’t complain.” “I am lucky to be here, and I know that it has some positive things for me moving forward, so I am happy about the week.”
Young was awarded $1,068,000 for his tie for 2nd place in the tournament hosted Tiger Woods. The purse was $12 Million.
Niemann is the first 23-year-old winner of the tournament since Phil Rodgers 1962. This tournament is best remembered for Jack Nicklaus’ pro debut. Nicklaus finished 50th in the tournament and took home $33.33 that same year.
Niemann won the second PGA Tour title with $2.16 million.
In 1969, Charlie Sifford was the last player to play wire-to-wire at the Genesis Invitational. This is significant because the elite tournament – which attracted all the top 10 players in the world this week – offers an exemption in Sifford’s name to encourage diversity in golf.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sifford, the first Black golfer who won on the PGA Tour. The No. 100 was the number one hole.
Niemann made his own path around the legendary course. No. 8. He was able to have plenty of space with the eagle when he was on No. 11.
Young remained close even after a bogey at No. 10, when his short wedge, which was placed just short of the green, failed to clear a bunker. He shot well to 4 feet, but missed the par putt.
But he still had a chance. Young crashed into a bunker at the 15th. He could not get to the fairway, and then holed out from 50 yards for birdie. Niemann missed a par 4 and was left with two holes to play.
Young discovered a bunker on the par-3 16th for the second consecutive day. Although it wasn’t as plugged on Saturday, he couldn’t get up-and down. To get back within two strokes, he birdied the par-5 17th and needed help. Niemann was unable to provide help. Niemann split the fairway and hit the back of the green, but Niemann did not give him any. Niemann then putt-putt for par from 30 feet.
The celebration continued as Sergio Garcia, Mito Pereira and Carlos Ortiz, his closest friends from Chile, joined forces to celebrate the 18th.
