First, it’s important to know that Joaquin Niemann will be giving every cent of his earnings this week at Mayakoba to help his infant cousin — Rafita Calderon. You’ll recall that Rafita is suffering from a rare neuro-muscular disease that requires treatment and medications that will cost seven figures.
“It’s always extra motivation trying to play for him and get some more money for him,” Joaquin said after his round. Niemann also left a bag of ribbons in the locker room and on the first and 10th tees for players to wear in support of Rafita. The 22-year-old said he was humbled by the response from his peers. “All the guys here on Tour are being really nice, using the little ribbons we’re having to support Rafita,” Niemann said. “He’s fighting now in Chile, so we’ve got to work our way to help him.”
Niemann made a move towards the Mayakoba Classic’s seven-figure winner’s check with an opening 66 on Thursday, leaving him just a shot off the first round lead held by Russell Knox.
Niemann’s 66 had him in good position along with Emiliano Grillo and Tom Hoge, all in at five-under.
The scoreboard started getting crowded at four-under par. Brendon Todd, the defending champion, put himself in position for a repeat and was one of eight players finishing with 67s.
The two biggest names in the tournament couldn’t find a way to finish in red numbers, however.
World’s No. 3 Justin Thomas had a lackluster performance and shot a one-over par round of 72 while No. 12 Brooks Koepka didn’t have his best stuff. Koepka’s driver was leaving him with left misses too often and he finished with an even par round of 71.
Course conditions were wet and windy and the field played lift-clean-and-place in the fairways. Most of the field took advantage of that as 55 players shot under par on opening day.
