Niemann wins LIV Golf Adelaide as Fireballs GC secures team title
February 16, 2025
Niemann, starting the day three shots behind the leader, delivered the only bogey-free round of the tournament’s final day. His superb seven-under-par 65 saw him overtake Abraham Ancer, who had led for most of the round before struggling with three bogeys in his final five holes. Niemann finished on 13 under par, securing a three-shot victory over Ancer and his Torque GC teammate Carlos Ortiz, both of whom signed for 71s.
Early-Season Success Continues for Niemann
This marks the second consecutive LIV Golf season in which Niemann has won early in the campaign. Last year, he claimed two victories in the first three events and topped the season-long points standings before finishing runner-up to Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm in the Individual Championship.
Two months ago, Niemann added the PIF Saudi International title to his growing list of achievements and also won the season-long International Series championship. Reflecting on his recent performances, he believes his game is in even better shape than last year and expects further improvement.
"Days like today help me develop as a player," said Niemann, who now has two career wins in Australia after lifting the Australian Open trophy in 2023. "There is a lot to take from today and learn because it was such a strong performance. If I can have more Sundays like this, chasing leaders, it will be great for my game."
Ancer Falls Short but Fireballs GC Triumphs
Despite a tough finish, Ancer still had a reason to celebrate as Fireballs GC claimed the team title with a dominant six-stroke win over Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII. Torque GC completed the podium in third place.
"The last two holes were rough, finishing bogey-bogey when I had a chance to win," Ancer said. "It is never easy to take, but I will use it as motivation for the rest of the season. My game is in a good place, and I am pleased with how things are progressing."
Ancer had shared the 36-hole lead with Ortiz and Majesticks GC’s Sam Horsfield before quickly taking control of the final round with birdies on the first two holes. He remained bogey-free until a misjudged shot found the bunker at the par-three 14th, where he was unable to get up and down for par.
Meanwhile, Niemann, playing in the group ahead, capitalised with a crucial birdie on the 15th to take the outright lead. His iron play was outstanding, hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation. His final-round 65 matched the lowest score of the day, alongside Riyadh winner Adrian Meronk.
Niemann’s Hard Work Pays Off
"The way I played today reflects the work I have been putting in," Niemann said. "It is rewarding to see progress and know that my practice is paying off."
Fireballs GC were equally delighted with their fifth team title, with wins now spanning four different continents. They remain the only team to have secured at least one victory in all four LIV Golf seasons. Captain Sergio Garcia and David Puig both shot five-under-par 67s, while Ancer and new signing Luis Masaveu each finished with 71s.
"It was bittersweet with Abe so close to an individual win," Garcia said. "He was right in the mix all day, and it would have been great to take both titles. But I am really proud of how the team battled to get this win."
For Masaveu, the post-tournament celebrations in front of the enthusiastic Adelaide crowd marked his first taste of a LIV Golf team victory. "I asked what I needed to do because it was my first time," the 22-year-old said. "But I think I managed it well."
Smiling, Garcia added: "Quick learner."
Final Team Standings – LIV Golf Adelaide
LIV Golf’s new team format now counts all four players’ scores in every round. Here are the final standings after Sunday’s final round:
Fireballs GC -21 (Garcia 67, Puig 67, Ancer 71, Masaveu 71; Rd. 3 score: -12)
Legion XIII -15 (Hatton 72, McKibbin 69, Rahm 70, Surratt 71; Rd. 3 score: -6)
Torque GC -13 (Niemann 65, Ortiz 71, Muñoz 71, Pereira 71; Rd. 3 score: -10)
Crushers GC -12 (Lahiri 69, Casey 73, DeChambeau 71, Howell III 68; Rd. 3 score: -7)
T5. HyFlyers GC -9 (Mickelson 68, Steele 69, Tringale 69, Ogletree 71; Rd. 3 score: -11)
T5. 4Aces GC -9 (Pieters 68, Varner III 69, Reed 72, Johnson 70; Rd. 3 score: -9)
T5. Majesticks GC -9 (Westwood 71, Stenson 71, Poulter 72, Horsfield 75; Rd. 3 score: +1)
Stinger GC -6 (Schwartzel 69, Burmester 70, Oosthuizen 71, Grace 74; Rd. 3 score: -4)
Ripper GC -1 (Leishman 70, Smith 70, Jones 73, Herbert 75; Rd. 3 score: E)
Iron Heads GC +5 (Na 69, Jang 71, Lee 74, Ormsby 75; Rd. 3 score: +1)
RangeGoats GC +6 (Uihlein 69, Campbell 71, Watson 71, Wolff 72; Rd. 3 score: -5)
Cleeks GC +7 (Meronk 65, Bland 66, Kaymer 72, Kjettrup 74; Rd. 3 score: -11)
Smash GC +13 (Koepka 70, McDowell 70, Gooch 76, Kokrak 77; Rd. 3 score: +5)
Wild Cards: Lee 75, Kim 76
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