PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

May 14, 2026

Joaquin Niemann

Aronimink Golf Club

Flash Quotes

THE MODERATOR: Joaquín Niemann is with us now at the 108th PGA Championship. 1-under today in your opening round. What can you tell us?

JOAQUÍN NIEMANN: It was a good day. I enjoyed it. It's a tough course. A lot of anxiety coming before the round. It's nice to get it going. Played a good round. It was fun out there.

Q. Obviously a T-8 last year, your best performance in a major. How much do you kind of lean on that in terms of like how you're approaching these majors now? Maybe a little bit more confidence going in, that type of thing.

JOAQUÍN NIEMANN: Yeah, it's the first major for me of the year. I couldn't play the last one. I had a different experience watching the Masters back home, and it was kind of cool actually to see it in a different perspective.

I don't know what else to tell you. It's a fun tournament, good fields, amazing golf courses. It's different setups than we're used to. Yeah, it's a special week for sure.

Q. Did you go into this major the same as you did last year, in terms of your prep?

JOAQUÍN NIEMANN: No, I mean, I always try to do my best. I always try to improve. I think I was saying to Pete Cowen yesterday, the day I figure out this game, I'm going to retire. And he answers, I'm 75 years old, and I haven't figured it out yet, so good luck.

I don't think I'm ever going to figure it out. The only way I can do is just come here, show up the best possible way I can prepare to it and just play golf.

Q. Have you talked to Jon Rahm about staying patient in the majors? You both are eager to bust loose here, but did you ever seek any advice from him as someone who's won a couple?

JOAQUÍN NIEMANN: I mean, just being around him, I think, is always nice. He won a few already. He won Masters and U.S. Open. Obviously he's been playing unbelievable golf on LIV.

I've had the pleasure to go head-to-head with him the past two years. It's been great. I've learned a lot from him. He's a great player, great attitude. Obviously patience, I think, is probably up there in the words you've got to keep in your mind playing this game.

Q. Do you sense that he's a little frustrated that he hasn't won a major since he went to LIV?

JOAQUÍN NIEMANN: I don't think we ever talk about it, no. He doesn't seem, though. I don't know.