Joaquin Niemann of Chile wins The Greenbrier to make history
Monday 16 September 2019 06:34, UK
Joaquin Niemann has become the first Chilean to win on the PGA Tour after he claimed a record six-shot victory at the Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia.
Tied at the ninth hole following a bogey, the 20-year-old dropped in six birdies on the back nine, including three straight holes at the end, as he shot a six-under 64 at White Sulphur Springs - his six-stroke win the largest winning margin in the history of the tournament.
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Niemann had led for most of the day and not even a bogey at the 15th could halt his march as he won the opening tournament of the new PGA season with a 21-under 259 at Old White TPC.
He said: "'I just never thought this moment was possible. I can't wait to go back home and celebrate with all of my friends.
"I was just trying to think about anything else than holding the trophy. My caddie is very funny, so he was just talking to me and make me laugh to just try to forget about that."
Tom Hoge, who had chased Niemann all afternoon, ended up second at 15-under after a closing 65.
Brian Harman (65), Harris English (67), Nate Lashley (69) and Richy Werenski (69) were another shot further back.
Niemann added: "Normally I'm not too excited, I normally don't do fist pumps. The emotions on the last couple of holes was crazy. Just making those putts on the last three holes was unbelievable - I couldn't resist.
"I was just feeling like I was going to win the tournament from the first day, I was in that mindset."
Niemann, who is now top of the FedExCup points list, has given International Team captain Ernie Els something to think about when he makes his captain's picks for the Presidents Cup.
While eight players already qualified for the International Team that will play the U.S. team in December at Royal Melbourne in Australia, Els will choose the remaining four team members the week of November 4.
Els said: "What a fantastic win for Joaquin. I'm really proud of him, and it's a wonderful start to his season. I'm looking forward to more of his great play."
Rory McIlroy and the late Seve Ballesteros of Spain are the only other international players to win on the PGA Tour before the age of 21 - the Northern Irishman only made it by two days, while Neimann turns 21 in November.
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