Joaquin Niemann finally claimed the title that had eluded him, winning his national open — the 96th Scotiabank Abierto de Chile — on Sunday at Club Las Brisas de Chicureo for the first time in his career.
The 27-year-old Chilean, ranked No. 36 in the world, finished at 15-under 273 and held the lead from start to finish. He closed with a 5-under 67, featuring six birdies and a lone bogey to pull away from the field by four shots.
Compatriot Gabriel Morgan finished second at 11-under. Juan Monckeberg, Simon Roessler and Ecuador’s Felipe Garces shared third at 10-under.
Niemann entered the final round with a one-shot edge over Garces. The Ecuadorian briefly drew level early, but Niemann birdied the third to regain sole possession and never looked back. Morgan closed the gap to one shot with three holes remaining, only for Niemann to answer with birdies at 17 and 18 in front of a large home crowd.
After the closing birdie he was greeted by an ovation, then embraced by his wife, Christina Hellema, and family before signing autographs.
“Estoy contento. La emoción de la gente es increíble,” Niemann told Emol, a Chilean TV network. (Translated in English: “I’m happy. The emotion of the people is incredible.”)
It was the third victory of his 2026 season for the golf star, following LIV Golf titles in South Korea and New York, and the long-missing domestic crown — a tournament that dates back nearly a century.
Niemann opened the week with a 64 that included 10 birdies and stayed in front through all four rounds. The winner’s check was only $10,800 from a purse of just $60,000, but the trophy was the one he said still mattered most at home.
