Joaquín Niemann has made a bold and surprising move just days before the LIV Golf UK event, parting ways with both his long-time caddie and coach in a significant restructuring of his team. The Chilean star, widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the LIV Golf lineup, is clearly aiming to reset his trajectory after a run of underwhelming performances in the majors.
End of the Road for Gary Matthews and Eduardo Miquel
Niemann has ended his working relationship with caddie Gary Matthews, a veteran on the bag who had been by his side since 2020. Matthews, known for his experience and insight, played a key role in Niemann’s development during his PGA Tour days and his transition to LIV Golf. Their partnership saw Niemann rise to prominence on the global golf stage.
In addition to parting with Matthews, Niemann has also split from his long-time coach Eduardo Miquel. Miquel has been with Niemann since his amateur days and was instrumental in shaping the fluid swing that brought him early success. However, after a string of disappointing showings at the majors this season—including missed cuts at both the U.S. Open and The Open—Niemann is clearly ready to take a different direction.
A Shift in Strategy
Replacing Matthews on the bag is Diego Salinas, a close friend of Niemann’s and a fellow Chilean who has previously played professionally. While Salinas lacks the tour experience of Matthews, Niemann appears to be prioritizing comfort and chemistry as he seeks a fresh start.
This move suggests Niemann is looking to regain confidence and consistency, particularly in high-pressure tournaments where he has recently struggled. Despite multiple LIV Golf wins in the past year, his performance on golf’s biggest stages has not matched expectations.
What This Means Ahead of LIV Golf UK
The LIV Golf UK tournament will now serve as Niemann’s proving ground for this new chapter. The decision to overhaul his inner circle could either reinvigorate his game or add additional pressure as he adjusts to a different dynamic on and off the course.
With the golf world watching closely, Niemann’s next performance will be scrutinized not only for his scorecard but also as a measure of whether the shake-up pays off.
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