ESPN is under heavy scrutiny, and one of its reporters has a big hand in it. Curtis Strange, a two-time U.S. Open champion and ESPN pundit, has sparked controversy with his changing views on the “mud ball” phenomenon at the 2025 PGA Championship. Strange initially criticized the PGA’s decision to eliminate the “lift, clean, and place” regulation, stating, “I think [the PGA] made a mistake [by not playing lift, clean, and place today].” The venue has indeed been unpredictable, with weather conditions affecting gameplay. The first two days saw top players struggling, but they seem to be adjusting now. Despite the muddy conditions, the greens have remained firm.

But then he flip-flopped, saying, “Adjust! It’s not fair, but it’s a game played outdoors. It’s not supposed to be fair.” This sudden shift drew criticism from fans and experts, including Kyle Porter, who highlighted the discrepancy. And the unfairness continues at the hands of Strange. Per the latest tweet by SBJ’s Josh Carpenter, Curtis Strange has shown clear disdain for the LIV Golf league. During a broadcast, Strange made a pointed remark about Joaquin Niemann’s success, stating, “Five-time winner over there on the L-I-V tour, three times this year. And we don’t talk too much money up here, but each one of those carries a $4M first place. How about that. Hmm.” 

The jab comes at Niemann’s win at the LIV Golf Mexico event, where he took home $4 million with a final-round 65, although not the best Sunday performance at Club de Chapultepec. That honor went to Lucas Herbert, who carded a remarkable 61 in the final round, finishing tied for second with Bryson DeChambeau, three strokes behind Niemann.

These comments seem strange since the reporter said that Niemann has been doing exceptionally well on the LIV circuit, winning three times this year. Curtis Strange, a two-time U.S. Open champion, believes Joaquin Niemann needs to switch to the PGA Tour to fulfill his potential at major championships. Strange stated, “I think the first thing Joaquin has to do is get over [to the PGA Tour] and play more regular golf on the bigger stages against the better players in the world.” He added, “Not that they don’t have two or three or four world-class players, but develop, get used to the major championship atmosphere.”

Despite Strange’s comments, Niemann has shown impressive form on the LIV circuit, winning three of the first seven titles in 2025 and currently leading the league standings. At the PGA Championship, Niemann bounced back from a disappointing first round with a strong second-round performance, carding a four-under 67.

Strange also said, “It’s just reality. I’m not knocking anybody, but it’s just the reality of when you’re not on that stage as often as these other players are playing the regular Tour, then you might not be as comfortable as if you were doing it on a regular basis. Certainly a wonderful player.” But that is not the first time Strange has complimented Niemann.

“I think Joaquin Niemann is a hell of a young player”- Curtis Strange

Last month, Curtis Strange, a two-time U.S. Open winner, expressed his opinion about Joaquin Niemann, stating that the young Chilean golfer “needs to be” on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour to prove his record further. Strange said, “I think Joaquin Niemann is a hell of a young player. I wish he was playing the DP World Tour or the American (PGA) Tour. He needs to be playing over here… It’s not going to happen when you’re at LIV.” Despite Strange’s comments, Niemann has continued to excel on the LIV Golf League circuit, with two victories in 2025 and currently leading the League’s standings.

Andy North, a two-time Major winner, has also weighed in on Niemann’s talent, saying, “He is really playing exceptionally well… He’s probably at the head of that list because I think he’s an incredible young talent. Once he does well in a Major, I expect he’s going to do well in a lot of them after that.” After landing at T29 with a score of par, Niemann has made the cut and is currently at T36 at the PGA Championship. With the final round approaching, every eye will be on the LIV golfer to see if it has what it takes to finish in the top 5. Do you think Niemann can do that? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!