ESPN Reporter Questions Value of LIV Golf Wins Throughout Reside Broadcast as Quail Hole Continues to Shock

ESPN is below heavy scrutiny, and one in every of its reporters has an enormous hand in it. Curtis Unusual, a two-time U.S. Open champion and ESPN pundit, has sparked controversy together with his altering views on the “mud ball” phenomenon on the 2025 PGA Championship. Unusual initially criticized the PGA’s resolution to remove the “carry, clear, and place” regulation, stating, “I believe [the PGA] made a mistake [by not playing lift, clean, and place today].” The venue has certainly been unpredictable, with climate situations affecting gameplay. The primary two days noticed prime gamers struggling, however they appear to be adjusting now. Regardless of the muddy situations, the greens have remained agency.

However then he flip-flopped, saying, “Modify! It’s not honest, however it’s a sport performed open air. It’s not imagined to be honest.” This sudden shift drew criticism from fans and experts, including Kyle Porter, who highlighted the discrepancy. And the unfairness continues by the hands of Unusual. Per the most recent tweet by SBJ’s Josh Carpenter, Curtis Unusual has proven clear disdain for the LIV Golf league. Throughout a broadcast, Unusual made a pointed comment about Joaquin Niemann’s success, stating, “5-time winner over there on the L-I-V tour, 3 times this 12 months. And we don’t speak an excessive amount of cash up right here, however every a kind of carries a $4M first place. How about that. Hmm.” 

The jab comes at Niemann’s win on the LIV Golf Mexico occasion, the place he took house $4 million with a final-round 65, though not the very best Sunday efficiency at Membership de Chapultepec. That honor went to Lucas Herbert, who carded a exceptional 61 within the last spherical, ending tied for second with Bryson DeChambeau, three strokes behind Niemann.

These feedback appear unusual for the reason that reporter stated that Niemann has been doing exceptionally nicely on the LIV circuit, profitable 3 times this 12 months. Curtis Unusual, a two-time U.S. Open champion, believes Joaquin Niemann wants to change to the PGA Tour to meet his potential at main championships. Unusual acknowledged, “I believe the very first thing Joaquin has to do is recover from [to the PGA Tour] and play extra common golf on the larger levels towards the higher gamers on the planet.” He added, “Not that they don’t have two or three or 4 world-class gamers, however develop, get used to the key championship ambiance.”

Regardless of Unusual’s feedback, Niemann has proven spectacular kind on the LIV circuit, profitable three of the primary seven titles in 2025 and at the moment main the league standings. On the PGA Championship, Niemann bounced again from a disappointing first spherical with a powerful second-round efficiency, carding a four-under 67.

Unusual additionally stated, “It’s simply actuality. I’m not knocking anyone, however it’s simply the fact of if you’re not on that stage as typically as these different gamers are enjoying the common Tour, then you definately may not be as snug as for those who had been doing it regularly. Definitely a beautiful participant.” However that isn’t the primary time Unusual has complimented Niemann.

“I believe Joaquin Niemann is a hell of a younger participant”- Curtis Unusual

Final month, Curtis Unusual, a two-time U.S. Open winner, expressed his opinion about Joaquin Niemann, stating that the younger Chilean golfer “must be” on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour to show his report additional. Unusual stated, “I believe Joaquin Niemann is a hell of a younger participant. I want he was enjoying the DP World Tour or the American (PGA) Tour. He must be enjoying over right here… It’s not going to occur if you’re at LIV.” Regardless of Unusual’s feedback, Niemann has continued to excel on the LIV Golf League circuit, with two victories in 2025 and at the moment main the League’s standings.

Andy North, a two-time Main winner, has additionally weighed in on Niemann’s expertise, saying, “He’s actually enjoying exceptionally nicely… He’s in all probability on the head of that record as a result of I believe he’s an unimaginable younger expertise. As soon as he does nicely in a Main, I count on he’s going to do nicely in a number of them after that.” After touchdown at T29 with a rating of par, Niemann has made the lower and is at the moment at T36 on the PGA Championship. With the ultimate spherical approaching, each eye will likely be on the LIV golfer to see if it has what it takes to complete within the prime 5. Do you suppose Niemann can try this? Tell us your ideas within the remark part beneath!