Joaquin Niemann makes LIV Golf history with dramatic playoff win in Korea

Joaquin Niemann strengthened his position as LIV Golf's most successful individual player after defeating Talor Gooch in a playoff to win LIV Golf Korea and secure a record eighth league title.

The Torque GC captain birdied the first extra hole at Asiad Country Club in Busan to edge Gooch after the pair finished tied at 12-under-par following 54 holes.

Niemann, who won five times during the 2025 season, collected his first LIV Golf victory of 2026 and moved three clear of any other player in league history for individual wins.

"It was fun out there," Niemann said. "I really enjoy the feeling of winning again."

The Chilean and Gooch began the final round tied for the lead and traded blows throughout a tense Sunday battle. Niemann appeared to seize control with four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the front nine, but Gooch responded brilliantly, rolling in a 28-foot birdie putt at the 16th to draw level.

With the tournament still deadlocked after 54 holes, Niemann produced the decisive shot in the playoff. His approach from 150 yards finished inside six feet, setting up a winning birdie putt and another milestone victory.

"I feel like every hole was kind of like match play," Niemann added.

For Gooch, who was chasing a fifth LIV Golf title, the defeat was a bitter disappointment.

"It's frustrating when you have a chance to win," Gooch said. "That doesn't come too often in this game, so you want to capitalise on it."

While Niemann celebrated individual glory, Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC claimed the team title for the second time this season.

The Crushers posted a combined 23-under-par total to finish three shots clear of Gooch's Smash GC and successfully defend the LIV Golf Korea crown they won in Incheon last year.

The victory was a landmark moment for DeChambeau's side, giving the Crushers a record 10 regular-season team titles and moving them clear of Legion XIII and 4Aces GC atop the all-time standings.

"Just grateful, super grateful that I've got amazing guys, an amazing team," DeChambeau said. "We all click in different ways, but we all work to make our team the best out here."

The achievement was made even more impressive by the absence of regular team member Paul Casey, who missed the event through injury.

Reserve player Travis Smyth stepped in and played a key role, finishing tied for eighth alongside Crushers teammate Charles Howell III. His performance helped secure the title and made him just the second reserve player to celebrate a LIV Golf trophy.

"It's just been a whirlwind of a week," Smyth said. "I didn't want to be the fill-in guy that disappoints the team and stops them from standing on the podium. I'm over the moon."

Niemann's victory further underlines his status as the dominant force in LIV Golf's individual competition, while the Crushers continue to establish themselves as the league's benchmark team.