Joaquin Niemann makes history with 59 in LIV Golf Opener to overshadow Jon Rahm's debut

All eyes may have been on Jon Rahm as the Masters champion made his first appearance since his big-money defection from the PGA Tour but it was Chilean Niemann who stole the show, carding 10 birdies and an eagle after starting on the second in the shotgun start format.

"It was obviously an amazing round," Niemann told the LIV Golf website. "I played solid since the beginning and I never stopped playing good."

Bryson DeChambeau fired a 58 in last season's LIV event at the Greenbrier, a feat only achieved by Jim Furyk on the PGA Tour, while there have been 11 59s on the US circuit and one on the DP World Tour.

Niemann's effort saw him finish the day at 12 under, five shots clear of American Patrick Reed, with Rahm at five under after a debut 66.

The Spaniard started on the first and was five under after seven holes but endured a bogey-bogey finish.

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