Gooch and Niemann Tied for Lead at LIV Golf Korea After Third Round

Talor Gooch and Joaquin Niemann share the lead after three rounds of LIV Golf Korea. Gooch shot a one-under-par 69 on Saturday at Asiad Country Club and sits tied with Niemann at the top of the leaderboard. Gooch was paired with Bryson DeChambeau and Cam Smith for the third round.

DeChambeau posted a 71 and trails the leaders by three shots. Gooch made 17 pars and one birdie. He said he left putts short all day but still produced a bogey-free round. DeChambeau made four bogeys and three birdies.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a possible return to the PGA Tour, though he remains under contract with LIV Golf. Gooch said the pairing added excitement to the round. “Yeah, both of them are two of the biggest stars in the game (DeChambeau and Cam Smith), and obviously everywhere in the world they are.

But Bryson is a whole different animal. It’s always fun being paired with him. There’s always a little bit of chaos,” Gooch said. Gooch added that DeChambeau’s social-media presence draws large crowds.

“You see all the good that he’s done with his YouTube and his social media and obviously his success on the course, and it’s paying off with the masses following him and knowing him and cheering for him around the world. It makes Saturdays a little more exciting when you’re paired with him,” he said. Gooch has won four times on LIV Golf since August 2023.

A fifth victory would come if he avoids a bogey in Sunday’s final round.