The Chilean LIV Golf star has left himself some work to run down local hotshot Lucas Herbert and American Ryggs Johnston, who have both been electric in setting the tone, but he showed plenty of toil and brilliance to ensure a weekend tee time.

His one-over around Kingston Heath was one of the surprises of the day yesterday and appeared to be going from bad to worse after his opening holes. Last year’s Stonehaven Cup winner made eight birdies around the iconic Sandbelt loop but was left lamenting three bogeys.

“Unfortunately, I make bogey on 10 and the 1st and the 2nd. It could have been an amazing round if I didn’t bogey the 1st and the 2nd,” Niemann said following his round.

“I mean, it’s one tee shot away on number one to make it eagle or birdie. So, I had the right number. I just miss hit it to the right.”

The two-time PGA Tour and LIV Golf winner knew an excellent round was paramount today to ensure he had a Saturday tee time and a chance at defending his title, which earned him an invite to the Masters last year.

“I gave myself a big test today” he said.

“I knew I needed to have a good round, and I didn’t start great, and I ended up making four birdies in a row, plus two others after.

“So, six birdies in seven holes, which really helped get that momentum.”

Niemann says the courses are still playing relatively soft – the main reason the pros are making a chunk of birdies. However, he insists that there are still plenty of challenges out there. He also admits he might have a slight advantage when it comes to making birdies with having an early tee time.

“I knew I needed to have a good round, and I didn’t start great, and I ended up making four birdies in a row, plus two others after.” – Joaquin Niemann.

“They’re pretty soft. Still really soft for these kinds of courses.

“Obviously, they’re great courses, and it’s still fun to play them soft, but you can tell being firmer, it could have been a lot of fun.

“That’s why I feel like scores are a little lower.

“I feel like you could get firmer during the weekend, which would be interesting. And I feel like I’m in a position where I’ll be kind of early tomorrow.

“So, try take advantage of that.”

Niemann’s LIV counterpart, Herbert (14-under for the tournament), has put his foot to the floor today at Kingston Heath with a six-under 66. He has a four-shot lead over Johnston who has one hole left to play at Victoria.

Cam Smith mixed in three birdies with an eagle, three bogeys and a double to sign for a frustrating even-par while playing partner and last week’s Australian PGA Champion played like a man in career-best form, carding an eight-under 64 around Kingston Heath.