Torque GC Captain Joaquín Niemann poses for a photo with the Individual Champion trophy after the final round of LIV Golf Jeddah 2024 in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by LIV Golf)

Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann returns to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 LIV Golf season opener in Riyadh with fond memories of competing in the Kingdom.

The Chilean star captured the LIV Golf Jeddah title in the third event of the 2024 LIV Golf season, one month after lifting the LIV Golf Mayakoba trophy. While the tournament in Saudi Arabia has changed location to Riyadh, Niemann knows how to win around this year’s venue, too; just last month, he claimed victory at the PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisors at Riyadh Golf Club, the tenth and final International Series event of 2024, where he defeated LIV Golf rival Cameron Smith in a dramatic playoff.

Q: Looking ahead to 2025, how are you preparing to defend your title in Saudi Arabia, and what’s your mindset going into LIV Golf’s first event in Riyadh?

JOAQUIN NIEMANN: “I’m pretty excited. I played there for the Saudi International back in December, so we were able to see the course and what it was going to be like. I think it’s going to be similar weather, too, so I’m excited to go back. There were good crowds, so it’s going to be a fun week.”

Q: What did the victory in Riyadh at the International Series event in December signify for you, and what does it feel like to have twice won in Saudi now?

JOAQUIN NIEMANN: “It was pretty special. I feel like it was an interesting week because I was playing great, I felt like I had a great chance and I was almost getting it done on the last couple of holes but then it got a little bit complicated, Cam was playing great. It was a good experience. I played great on those playoff holes. I struggled on a few short putts but that’s part of it. It was great.”

Q: Having claimed two titles in Saudi, you’ve built a strong connection with the region, what do you enjoy most about playing and competing in Saudi – both on and off the course?

JOAQUIN NIEMANN: “I’ve been playing great in Saudi. I don’t know... I just like Saudi, I think!”

Cameron Smith of Ripper GC hits his shot from the first tee during the first round of LIV Golf Jeddah 2024 in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by LIV Golf)

Australia’s Cameron Smith returns to Riyadh Golf Club determined to go one better after his near miss at the event in December. The 2022 Open Champion led Ripper GC to Team Championship glory last season and is seeking a strong start to their title defense.

Q: Heading into LIV Golf Riyadh having finished as runner-up in the recent PIF Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club, do you feel there’s any unfinished business to see to?

CAMERON SMITH: “I really wasn’t expecting to finish where I finished on that last day, I had a great last day. It was such a blur,and I wasn’t expecting it. I like the golf course, it’s a golf course that lends itself well to me. There are plenty of wedges and plenty of birdie opportunities, so hopefully I can get back there and start the season off well and walk away with the trophy.”