Joaquin Niemann once again reminded the LIV Golf field why he remains one of the most dangerous players on the circuit, producing a performance at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster that left his closest challenger unable to keep pace.
The Chilean star finished the week at 16 under par, three shots ahead of Harold Varner III, to capture another LIV Golf individual title. The victory added another major achievement to Niemann’s growing résumé and came with an enormous financial reward.
Niemann collected $4 million for winning the individual competition from LIV Golf’s customary $30 million purse.
But the number attached to the winner’s check does not tell the entire financial story.
Once taxes are taken into consideration, a substantial portion of that prize could disappear.
Niemann’s $4 million payday
Niemann’s victory was one of the biggest moments of the LIV Golf New York event.
He finished at 16 under par, while Varner III ended the tournament at 13 under. Lee Westwood and Scott Vincent shared third place at 9 under, each earning $1.25 million.
Niemann, however, took the biggest individual prize of the weekend.
His $4 million winner’s check represented a huge financial boost and another multimillion-dollar payday for one of LIV Golf’s most successful players.
The victory was also significant because it marked Niemann’s ninth individual LIV Golf title, further strengthening his place among the league’s most accomplished competitors.
Then comes the tax bill
While $4 million is the official prize amount, professional golfers do not simply get to keep every dollar listed on the tournament payout sheet.
Niemann’s tax situation is particularly complicated because he is a Chilean citizen competing in the United States.
The LIV Golf New York event was held in New Jersey, meaning income earned from his performance there can be subject to New Jersey taxation. Federal U.S. tax obligations can also apply to income earned by international athletes competing in the country.
The exact amount Niemann will ultimately owe depends on his individual circumstances, including his tax residency, deductions, other income and applicable international tax rules.
That means there is no publicly confirmed figure showing exactly how much of his $4 million prize will go to taxes.
However, an estimated tax burden of around $1.5 million would dramatically reduce the amount he ultimately keeps.
Around $1.5 million could disappear
Using the $1.5 million estimate, the basic calculation is straightforward.
Niemann’s gross prize:
$4,000,000
Estimated tax impact:
Approximately $1,500,000
Potential amount remaining:
Approximately $2,500,000
That would mean roughly 37.5% of the headline prize could be lost to taxes.
It is important to emphasize that the $1.5 million figure is an estimate and should not be interpreted as Niemann’s confirmed final tax bill.
His actual liability could be higher or lower depending on his complete financial circumstances.
Still a massive payday
Even after a potential seven-figure tax bill, Niemann would still have plenty to celebrate.
If approximately $2.5 million remained from the $4 million prize, it would still represent an enormous payday for a single tournament victory.
And the financial benefits of winning do not necessarily stop with the prize money.
Success on LIV Golf can increase a player’s profile, strengthen sponsorship opportunities and contribute to additional earnings throughout the season.
For Niemann, another victory also adds to a growing reputation as one of LIV Golf’s most consistent winners.
Another milestone for Niemann
The New York victory continued what has become an impressive run for Niemann on the Saudi-backed circuit.
His ninth individual LIV Golf win places him among the league’s most decorated players, and every additional victory adds to his standing within the competition.
The result was also a contrast to several other major names in the field.
Bryson DeChambeau struggled throughout the individual competition, finishing tied for 38th at seven over par, although his Crushers GC won the team competition.
Jon Rahm also endured an unusually poor individual result, finishing tied for 41st at eight over par. Despite that result, Rahm secured his third consecutive LIV Golf individual season title.
Niemann, meanwhile, was the player enjoying the biggest individual celebration of the week.
The difference between prize money and take-home money
The $4 million figure will understandably grab attention whenever Niemann’s victory is discussed.
But tournament prize money is generally a gross amount.
For professional athletes, taxes can take a significant percentage of winnings, particularly when an event is held in a high-tax jurisdiction or when an international athlete has to deal with multiple tax systems.
New Jersey also has specific rules governing taxation and withholding involving nonresident athletes who earn income from events held within the state.
As a result, Niemann’s $4 million prize should not automatically be viewed as $4 million of money that he can freely spend.
Niemann still leaves New York a huge winner
Even with the potential tax consequences, there is no question that Niemann’s weekend was financially spectacular.
He won the tournament, collected $4 million in gross prize money and added another LIV Golf title to his résumé.
If the estimated $1.5 million tax figure is used, he could still be left with approximately $2.5 million before other professional expenses and obligations.
So while the taxman could take a substantial bite out of the headline prize, Niemann remains one of the biggest winners from the LIV Golf New York event.
His latest victory delivered another trophy, another multimillion-dollar payday and another reminder that when Niemann finds his best form, the rest of the field can struggle to keep up.