Chilean Joaquin Niemann believes having the opportunity to have a pathway through to the LIV Golf League is ‘unbelievable’ for Asian Tour players and will provide them with life-changing opportunities.
The winner of the 2023 International Series Order of Merit will gain exemption to the 2024 LIV Golf League with Zimbabwean Scott Vincent being the lucky recipient last year after some impressive performances in 2022, including a victory at Slaley Hall in June.
The elevated International Series forms part of the Asian Tour and gives players the opportunity to play some of the best golf courses in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, while competing for US$2million prize purses.
Current LIV star and world number 23, Niemann, believes it is an unrivalled opportunity for Asian Tour players to have and commented: “It is unbelievable. An amazing opportunity. The Asian Tour has been around for a few years and LIV is doing great things right now to grow the game both in Asia and throughout the world.
“The game is growing tremendously over here, and I am just grateful to be part of growing the game of golf in places like this in the Middle East and throughout Asia. Having that pathway is a great opportunity for all of these players.”
Niemann, who shot rounds of 72, 70 and 69 in his first three rounds at Al Mouj Golf, in the opening International Series event of the year in Oman, sits nicely poised heading into the final round, tied fourth.
The diminutive 24-year-old has been hugely impressed by his first experience of the International Series and Asian Tour adding: “Yeah, this is actually my first event on the Asian Tour, and I have been loving it. The level out here is really impressive and the courses we play are really good.
“Condition wise I’m not used to playing with these types of winds, so it is nice to come here and see how much my game is set up against these kinds of conditions. I think it is great practice and a great place to be.”
Niemann will head West after this week for the opening LIV Golf League event of the year in Mayakoba and will be hoping to travel with a win under his belt on Sunday afternoon.
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