Ahead of their cash-fuelled clash at LIV Chicago this weekend, Joaquin Niemann has already revealed how he feels about golf rival Jon Rahm. And it speaks volumes in regards to the relationship between LIV's best-in-class of 2024.
Former world No1 Rahm, 29, joined the breakaway Saudi tour at the start of this year as the latest marquee signing to cut ties with the PGA. And Spanish contender Rahm will bring an end to his first season in a head-to-head for the competition's individual championship, sat three points ahead of Niemann at the summit.
The pair will duke it out for the £14million ($18m) bonus on offer to whoever finishes the season as individual champion. Rahm holds the narrowest of edges ahead of Thursday's tee-off at Bolingbrook Golf Club, though Niemann can win the title provided he earns at least four points more than Rahm with his finish.
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"I think Jon is going to bring a lot to the team event," said Niemann on the Fairway to Heaven podcast at the start of 2024. "I think, obviously we've seen how good he plays on Ryder Cups and how good he is as a team player. Almost every other country, except from the US, we are born playing team events for our countries.
"Jon is one of those who grew up playing from Spain and you grew up playing for team-mates and leading a team. I think we understand better how important is the team aspect. And we didn't have this opportunity in professional golf."
Niemann went on to describe his excitement at the prospect of going up against Rahm, whom he described as "one of the best players." And he'll get his wish this weekend as the pair are on a collision course in Illinois.
In a straight shoot-out for LIV's eye-watering end-of-season bonus, Rahm and Niemann know whoever finishes higher in the standings come Saturday almost definitely ends the season on top. Niemann won two of the first three events this year but has trailed off, while Rahm has improved as the term has progressed and clinched his maiden win in England in July.
"Yeah, he's been playing great lately, so obviously he's probably going to keep doing the same," said Niemann of his nemesis ahead of LIV Chicago. "I've got to try to bring my 'A' game and try to show some good golf, and hopefully, it'll be enough."
There's a mutual respect between the two Spanish speakers, with Rahm - who is just three points ahead currently - also paying tribute to Niemann's abilities of late. He predicted the Chilean is "going to be up there" when the action gets underway in Illinois, where he hopes to cap his debut LIV season in sensational fashion.
The LIV campaign doesn't conclude in earnest until after the Team Championship in Dallas next weekend, but Chicago will be considered the real climax on show for many fans. One position could mean the difference between £14m and just another round of golf, and Niemann is well aware of the obstacle blocking his path to the title.
