Joaquin Niemann has the firepower to take on Rory McIlroy over the weekend, according to his coach Pete Cowen. Cowen is perfectly placed to analyse the pair’s games, as he’s currently working with Niemann, and McIlroy brought him into his team in 2021 for a short while.
Having narrowly missed out on the LIV Golf Series title this year, Niemann is eyeing glory at the coveted DP World Tour Championship on a course designed by none other than his LIV boss, Greg Norman.
Firepower
The big-hitting Chilean seems to have found his groove at Jumeirah Golf Estates, shaking off the cobwebs after a rusty performance at last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
“Yeah, I was a little rusty after having four or five weeks off,” said Niemann. “But I feel like there’s a lot of stuff that I’m working on with my swing and on my game, and everything that I’m trying to improve for next season on LIV.”
Knows How To Win
Earlier this season, Niemann clinched the ISPS Handa Australian Open on the DP World Tour, and it’s safe to say the course suits him down to the ground. He’s currently just two shots off the second-round leader, Antoine Rozner.
“I like these courses where you have to hit it long and straight. I feel like it suits me really well,” commented Niemann.
Distance Control Issues
But don’t be fooled by his slender frame! The 26-year-old can launch the ball over 310 yards with ease. However, distance control with his approach shots could be his Achilles’ heel as he heads into the weekend.
“The second shots I have struggled with a few times where I haven’t had the right number. The ball is sitting down a little more, so I need to be aware of how this affects the strike,” commented Niemann.
With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Niemann as he aims to topple McIlroy and claim a stunning victory!
