Like the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Memorial Tournament, the Genesis Invitational saw its prize pool increase to $12 million this year. A substantial increase which benefited in the first place to the very generous Joaquin Niemann.
The 23-year-old Chilean, Joaquin Niemannwon his second victory over the PGA Tour sunday at Genesis Invitationalbut apart from the joy of being awarded the trophy by Tiger Woodsthe South American saw his bank account literally explode.
Indeed, the winner now receives a check for $2.16 million, whereas last year, Max Homa left with the sum of 1,674,000 dollars.
Save Rafita’s life
In the fall of 2020, Niemann had launched a kitty to raise funds to finance a very expensive operation estimated at 2.1 million dollars and intended to save the life of his little cousin Rafita Calderon, suffering from a rare neuromuscular disease.
A piggy bank in which he had largely participated by giving part of his winnings: 5,000 dollars for each birdie, as well as 10,000 dollars for each eagle. On the evening of a 44th place in RSM Classiche had also paid a check for €125,450.
I have much to be grateful for, but especially for seeing how together we managed to reach 75% of our goal to save Rafita’s life. We are very close and again I only have words of thanks! #SalvemosaRafita pic.twitter.com/ydadv7q99R
— joaconiemann (@joaconiemann) December 16, 2020
Photo Rob Carr / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP
