Joaquin Niemann Leads LIV Golf New York with Strong Performance

Joaquin Niemann increased his lead to five shots at LIV Golf New York on Friday, shooting a 6-under-par 65 in Bedminster, New Jersey. After completing the first two rounds with scores of 64 and 65, Niemann's total stands at 13-under 129.

England's Lee Westwood and Spain's Sergio Garcia are tied for second place, both finishing the day with matching scores of 65. Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin and Harold Varner III are tied for fourth at 6 under par. Other competitors, including Australia's Lucas Herbert and England's Ian Poulter, struggled, finishing with scores of even-par 71 and 1-over 72, respectively.

Niemann has not made a bogey in the tournament so far and has consistently birdied five holes on the front nine each day. He leads in strokes gained off the tee and approach, although he expressed a desire to improve further. His team, Torque GC, is also leading the team competition at 9 under, five shots ahead of HyFlyers GC.