Niemann calls – Joaquin Niemann missed the Masters after failing to qualify, but framed watching the tournament from home as “kind of cool.” Speaking during the PGA Championship in Philadelphia, he said the week is a chance to refocus for the first major of the year, after op
Joaquin Niemann arrived at Aronimink with the Masters still fresh in his mind—not because he was there. but because he wasn’t.. Missing the chance to compete after failing to qualify. the LIV Golf star turned his attention to what he called “the first major for me of the year” as he spoke during the PGA Championship.
“It’s the first major for me of the year,” Niemann said. “I couldn’t play the last one. I had a different experience watching the Masters back home, and it was kind of cool actually to see it in a different perspective.”
He didn’t hide how the disappointment sat alongside excitement. “I don’t know what else to tell you. It’s a fun tournament, good fields, amazing golf courses. It’s different setups than we’re used to. Yeah, it’s a special week for sure.”
Even with that Masters snub, Niemann said he was approaching Philadelphia without changing his preparation.. He entered the PGA Championship with seven individual title victories on LIV Golf and still hasn’t captured a major championship in his career.. “I don’t think I’m ever going to figure it out.. The only way I can do is just come here. show up the best possible way I can prepare to it and just play golf. ” he said.
Asked about how he keeps learning as the season moves forward. Niemann pointed to his effort to stay in pursuit of improvement.. “I mean, I always try to do my best,” Niemann said.. “I always try to improve.. I think I was saying to Pete Cowen yesterday. the day I figure out this game. I’m going to retire.. And he answers, I’m 75 years old, and I haven’t figured it out yet, so good luck.”
On the course, Niemann’s week began with momentum.. He wrapped up his opening round at one under par, placing himself within striking distance of the leaders.. When the conversation shifted to whether he sought advice from fellow LIV competitor Jon Rahm ahead of the tournament. Niemann’s answer went beyond tactics and into the comfort of proximity.
“I mean, just being around him, I think, is always nice,” Niemann said. “He won a few already. He won Masters and U.S. Open. Obviously he’s been playing unbelievable golf on LIV.”
Niemann also said he’s learned from Rahm directly through competition.. “I’ve had the pleasure to go head-to-head with him the past two years.. It’s been great.. I’ve learned a lot from him.. He’s a great player, great attitude.. Obviously patience. I think. is probably up there in the words you’ve got to keep in your mind playing this game.”
The story hangs together through a clear thread: Niemann missed the Masters after failing to qualify. then described watching it from home as a “different perspective. ” and now comes into the PGA Championship framing it as “the first major for me of the year” while starting with a one-under-par opening round.
For now, his focus stays on showing up prepared and playing. “The only way I can do is just come here, show up the best possible way I can prepare to it and just play golf,” Niemann said as the tournament moves on at Aronimink.
Joaquin Niemann Masters snub failed to qualify PGA Championship Aronimink LIV Golf Jon Rahm Pete Cowen one under par