Phil Mickelson thinks Joaquin Niemann is world No. 1 (Image: Getty Images)
Phil Mickelson has hailed Joaquin Niemann as the world’s best golfer, despite the Chilean star being ranked 81st in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Niemann clinched his fourth LIV title and sixth global victory in 16 months at the LIV Golf Singapore on Sunday, a feat only surpassed by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler since the start of the 2024 season. However, four of Niemann’s recent wins were on the LIV tour, which does not offer OWGR points, leaving him trailing behind Scheffler in the rankings.
Following Niemann’s latest triumph, his team Torque tweeted: “Joaquín Niemann has got to be a top 5 player in the world right now. Currently sits at the top of the leaderboard in Singapore for his 2 wins of the season and 4th in @livgolf_league. Vamos Joaco.”
But Mickelson responded with even higher praise, replying: “Top 5? Try #1.”
The endorsement is a significant boost for the 28-year-old, who has been in top form since leaving the PGA Tour for LIV in 2022.
Chilean golfer Niemann is brimming with confidence as he gears up for the Masters next month, saying: “You build confidence, and I feel like you build that confidence through preparation, and I’m pretty excited that I have two weeks. My next two weeks are going to be good preparation for me for what’s coming.
“LIV Miami is going to be a good challenge. I bet that course is going to be in good conditions and really tough conditions. It’s one of the longest and toughest courses that we play during the year. So yeah, it’s a good challenge, and then we’ve got the first major of the year.”
Niemann is optimistic about his chances at a major championship, drawing inspiration from golf legend Greg Norman: “I saw an interview the other day from Greg Norman back in the day when he was World No. 1 and I hadn’t won a major yet, and I liked his answer because it’s completely true,” he said. “If you ask me, I’m pretty sure and I’m pretty calm about it because I know it’s going to come. I know I’m going to win a major. I know it’s going to happen.”
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