If anyone can defy the odds at LIV Golf, Joaquin Niemann can be one of them. The Saudi-backed league features top golfers such as Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm. However, what often hinders these talented players? Yes, you guessed it right—it’s the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). It impacts not only a professional golfer’s eligibility for majors and the Ryder Cup but also plays a vital role in their participation in the Olympics.

The Summer Olympics will take place from July 26, 2024, to August 11, 2024. Consequently, golfers raced to qualify for their country’s men’s golf team. While some LIV golfers, like Bryson Dechambeau, failed to earn a spot, Joaquin Niemann has already made the list. After Nosferatu, sources shared a post on X, which confirmed that the Chilean professional golfer Joaquin Niemann had qualified. Considering the current challenges with the Saudi-backed league and the OWGR, LIV golfers already find it difficult to qualify for the majors, let alone the Olympics.

Greg Norman’s 2023 OWGR accreditation request was denied due to the circuit’s 54-hole format with no cuts, cited by OWGR chairman Peter Dawson for issues including limited access for new players to join the venture. Following this decision, Norman withdrew the application. The challenge extends beyond majors, where OWGR rankings are crucial; the Olympics also takes them into account.

The top 15 men in the OWGR at the end of the qualifying period automatically qualify, but others rely on the Olympic Golf Ranking. This system is based on strength-of-field ratings accumulated over two years, incorporating tournaments sanctioned by the OWGR. It seems Niemann has secured a spot through this system considering his T22 finish at Masters. But that’s not the only time Joaquin Niemann has surprised the community with his unexpected qualification.

Joaquin Niemann’s past unexpected appearances

While Talor Gooch, a three-time LIV golfer winner, stirred the golf community after not receiving an invite, Niemann’s name brought an unexpected twist. His past performances earned him an invitation to the Masters, where he finished T22. Additionally, during that time, Niemann also confirmed that he had already received an invitation for the 2024 PGA Championship.

Following his second major appearance, there was considerable anticipation that Joaquín Niemann might also compete in the US Open. However, it has been confirmed that he will miss out on the tournament this year after the results of the final qualifiers.

What are your thoughts on Niemann’s accomplishments? Do you think he has the potential to surprise the golf world with his performance at the Olympics this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!