In the realm of golf, bold forecasts are commonplace; however, even experienced analysts often reconsider when it comes to assessing the potential of under-the-radar players or those who, despite their achievements, still have much to demonstrate. The ongoing conflict between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has brought attention back to Jon Rahm and a promising LIV golfer, Phil Mickelson, who has high hopes for his success.
As LIV’s Joaquin Niemann continues to excel, one analyst’s candid viewpoint could change the narrative. Keith Stewart, speaking on The Smylie Show, argues that leading players ought to be concerned about Rahm’s emerging strength, while Niemann’s potential for a top-tier finish remains uncertain—no matter the anticipation surrounding him. Let’s explore why this assertion could unsettle the golf community.
Keith Stewart of Read the Line expressed his thoughts bluntly regarding the LIV players’ prospects in the upcoming Majors, especially stars like Joaquin Niemann. Despite Niemann achieving success within LIV Golf’s unique tournament framework, Stewart feels it’s challenging to determine how ready these players are for the demanding Majors.
On a recent episode of The Smylie Show, Stewart noted, “I don’t expect much from Joaquin Niemann—I expect the same from Tyrrell Hatton, and I expect the same from Rahm, because they are who they are; we know them at this point in their careers. If it were a younger individual like David Quig, who might emerge, I would miss them since we lack the data or competition to assess accurately where they stand, whereas I know what I can get from Jon Rahm.” This statement sharply criticized LIV players, including Niemann, who have yet to establish themselves on the major stage, particularly in the Majors. Stewart’s reservations extend beyond performance; he questions the caliber of competition in LIV tournaments, doubting whether Niemann and his peers can thrive under high-pressure conditions.
Conversely, Stewart lauded Jon Rahm’s prowess, particularly in major competitions. Unlike LIV players, Rahm has repeatedly proven his skill, establishing himself as a formidable contender in any tournament. “Jon Rahm I would always be worried about. I think Jon Rahm, no matter where he’s playing, is a top three talent in the world,” Stewart asserted. He indicated that while the competition could spur Rahm further, it’s absent in the current landscape.
Stewart even highlighted Rahm’s impressive showing at the 2024 Open Championship at Troon: “He played the best; he was in the top 10 at Troon in the wrong wave. I mean, that was unbelievable golf—the fantastic performance he displayed at Troon. And Joaquin Niemann has never finished in the top 10 in a Major, right?” For Stewart, Rahm embodies the traits that LIV players currently lack—elite competition combined with the mental resilience needed for the rigorous nature of a 72-hole Major.
Phil Mickelson’s Bold Endorsement of Niemann
Phil Mickelson has consistently made headlines for his audacious comments, recently asserting that Joaquin Niemann is undoubtedly among the top-10 players in the world following Niemann’s latest victory at LIV Golf in Singapore. To some, this proclamation may appear exaggerated, especially given Niemann’s current world ranking of 81st due to the limited points available for LIV events. For a golfer still seeking global recognition, Mickelson’s bold statement is likely to provoke various opinions.
At first glance, Niemann’s achievements might not appear overly extraordinary. Yet, with two victories already in 2025, including one in Singapore, his confidence and performance seem to be peaking. Having peaked at 15th in the world rankings and showing promise at the Masters, Niemann has demonstrated he can compete at high levels, though he has yet to secure a Major win, with his best finish at Augusta being T-16. Mickelson’s controversial statements have ignited discussions within the golfing community; while some might view LIV’s format as a lesser test, Mickelson’s support could turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy if Niemann continues to excel globally. With the Masters approaching and an exclusive invitation from Augusta National, all eyes will be on Niemann to see if he can validate Mickelson’s assertion and silence his critics. April at Augusta promises to be a captivating period for golf fans!
