LIV Golf New York continued its tournament at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster with the third round Saturday afternoon. After a day filled with blistering heat and a temporary severe weather delay, Joaquin Niemann remained the leader, but his lead shortened as the rest of the top five closed in. The top five from round two remained in round three, just in a different order. Here is a recap of the top five golfers in round three:
1st- Joaquin Niemann (-14)
This was by far the worst round of the weekend for Niemann. Right out of the gates on the first hole a double bogey set him back two strokes. He’d add two more bogeys and only five birdies on the day to settle for a -1 score. While he remained on top, his lead had shrunk, putting the pressure on. Tomorrow he would need to have a performance like Thursday or Friday if he wants to assure victory. Although he didn’t play as good as he has all all tournament, The Torque GC captain was still happy with his performance:
“Yeah, I mean, it was a pretty good last 17 holes. Obviously not the best start, but you know, pretty proud and happy the way I played today, especially coming into the end of the round. But yeah, I mean I had pretty good shots. Pretty happy with a few putts that I rolled that went in and a few of them that couldn’t go in and, you know, probably gave away a few shots there, but, yeah, I mean, super happy with the round. I enjoyed playing with Lee [Westwood] and Sergio [Garcia] as well, so, yeah, I’m pretty excited for tomorrow.”
2nd – Harold Varner III, (-12)
Not only was it the best round of the day, it was one of the best performances of Harold Varner III’s season. Day by day, round by round he’s played better and better, putting him in contention to steal it from Niemann. He was clean the entire day, not going over par once on a hole and sinking six birdies. Varner III will be in good hands if he continues the pace he’s at throughout Sunday. Winning at Trump National Golf Club Washington DC back in 2022, Varner III sees similarities in the courses and has features that suits his game more efficiently:
“I think they’re all pretty similar. You know, you have to hit it far, you have to putt it well. And if you chip it decent. So, yeah, obviously suits my game, you know, it’s playing really long right now, Obviously, we’re, you know, it’s, I don’t know how long it is, but it’s an advantage for me, so it’s a great opportunity to do something well. I’ve been feel like I’ve been playing well, and tomorrow’s going to be a great chance”
3rd- Lee Westwood (-10)
It was an up and down round for Westwood, who somehow managed to only lose a spot. Just like his group mate Niemann, the co-captain of Majesticks GC went over par on the very first hole, shooting a Bogey. He stayed consistent the rest of the way shooting five out of six birdies, but two bogeys between holes 14 and 16 screwed with his score. It didn’t hurt him however as he finished the round still in the top five and in contention. With 18 holes to go, Westwood will take it easy at the hotel tonight to regain strength in his legs and energy for the finish:
Just go back to the Hotel and have something to eat and try and get some energy back in my legs, really. Yeah, that’s basically it. It can be draining this weather and it’s a long draining golf course And I just started to feel a little bit leggy at the end and, you know, nothing that a good night’s sleep won’t cure and come back out. Hits it like I’ve hit it today and hopefully put like a put today, because I’m pleased with my games at, you know, 10 under par around this golf course, after three rounds, good scoring.”
4th- Tom McKibbin (-7)
McKibbin had a rough start but ultimately bounced back in the end. Two bogeys canceled out two birdies on the front nine, setting him for an even score. He played much better the rest of the way, shooting two more birdies, but one final bogey on the final hole which sent him off with a -1 score. While it wasn’t the best round, he still gained a spot, sitting at a comfortable third place.
5th- Sergio Garcia (-6)
Garcia under-performed today compared to the other two. He shot three bogeys throughout the day and only shot two birdies to counter. You can tell it was a struggle as he averaged five or more birdies per round where today he couldn’t get half. The bad luck came at the wrong time as the captain of Fireballs GC is now eight strokes behind the leader. He has to depend on having the round of his life and weak performances from Niemann and the others if he wants any chance of winning.
TEAM LEADER: TORQUE GC
While Torque GC has been in the lead all weekend, the gap they had no longer exists. While Niemann struggled and his three teammates once again shot over par, they now have a two stroke lead over second place Legion XIII. If they want to win the team portion of a tournament, at least one player besides Niemann needs to show they have a pulse as he can’t do everything by himself. Teammates Carlos Ortiz and Sebastian Munoz have scores of +5 or worse.
