ROCESTER, England – Joaquin Niemann is cumulatively 29-under par over six rounds at JCB Golf & Country Club, making him the top performer in the LIV Golf League's first two visits to the Staffordshire course. He claimed victory in 2023 and a tie for second in 2024. However, one hole, played as a par 4 at just under 500 yards (457 meters) for the past two years, proved to be the biggest challenge for the Torque GC captain – he played it 3-over par.
This year brings a major change: Hole 6, previously a true nightmare, is being converted to a par 5. A tee box set further back makes the hole even longer, but Niemann's face brightens. “I’m 1-under now,” he beams. This adjustment makes the hole a true par 5 again, as members play it, and converts the course into a par 72 on the scorecard. It's the biggest change for the LIV Golf United Kingdom Presented by JCB, which kicks off this week.
Relief for Poulter Too
Niemann isn't the only one breathing a sigh of relief; Ian Poulter is also visibly happy about the course correction. “Thank goodness,” exclaimed the Majesticks Golf Club Co-Captain. He himself only found out about the change after his Monday practice round. While playing Hole 6, Poulter told his caddie Richard Curr, who was seeing JCB for the first time: “Dude, wait till you see this par 4. It’s unbelievably tough.” Despite a good drive, Poulter needed a 5-wood just to reach the fringe of the green, only to then chip into the rough and point out the tiny green complex to Curr.
Less Stress on the 6th
Later that evening, the relieving news reached Poulter during dinner in the clubhouse: Hole 6 is now a par 5. His conclusion is clear: “It’s a better par 5.” The expectation is high that the hole will finally lose its title as the toughest on the course. “It’s going to feel less punitive and less stressful,” Poulter stated.
