It’s safe to say that no one has ever had a U.S. Open week quite like the one Joaquin Niemann just had.
The 27-year-old LIV star made a bit of golf history when he became the first player to receive a two-stroke penalty in a major championship for throwing a club. That turned his nine on the par-4 sixth hole on Thursday into an 11. Ouch.
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But he wasn’t done! Niemann mounted an incredible rally the following day after being informed of the infraction. He shot 65 to make the cut. And then he added a 66 on Sunday to vault into the top 10 and give him a chance at the best major finish of his career.
Of course, that also led to an obvious “What if?” question. Because at the time of him signing his Sunday scorecard, Niemann trailed leader Wyndahm Clark by seven shots. After losing seven shots on one hole earlier in the week.
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But that’s when Niemann delivered his best birdie of the week:
“If my grandmother had tyres,” Niemann responded, “she’d be a car.”
Reporter: “Are you thinking ‘if that one hole didn’t happen and you get those 7 shots back, I’d have a chance to win?’”
— Matt Vincenzi (@MattVincenziPGA) June 21, 2026
Niemann: “If my grandmother had tires, she’d be a car.”
That had everyone laughing. Overall a super impressive interview from Joaco. pic.twitter.com/AZm4aAiPl0
Well played, Joaquin. Is it too late to rescind that penalty?
