RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Joaquin Niemann executed a lob shot to within a foot for birdie on the second sudden-death hole, triumphing over Cameron Smith and Caleb Surrat in a playoff to claim the Saudi International on the Asian Tour, marking his first victory in nine months. Finishing the year with a score of 4-under […]
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Joaquin Niemann executed a lob shot to within a foot for birdie on the second sudden-death hole, triumphing over Cameron Smith and Caleb Surrat in a playoff to claim the Saudi International on the Asian Tour, marking his first victory in nine months.
Finishing the year with a score of 4-under 67, Niemann concluded the season with three victories, including two in the early stages of the LIV Golf League. This win in Saudi Arabia marks his second for the year.
Smith surged back with a score of 62 and entered the playoff after both Niemann and Surrat (66) bogeyed the 18th hole.
All three competitors secured birdies on the initial playoff hole. Smith and Surrat both failed to convert their birdie attempts, allowing Niemann to succeed with his.
Niemann ended the season ranked first in the International Series on the Asian Tour, surpassing Peter Uihlein and Ben Campbell.
With this first win outside of LIV since his Australian Open victory last year, Niemann is anticipated to rise into the top 75 in the world rankings, which earned him a special invitation to the Masters.
