Anthony Kim returns to LIV Golf after clinching the final exempt spot for the 2026 season with a third-place finish at the LIV Golf Promotions event Sunday in Florida.Kim navigated a thrilling final round at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida, leaning on experience rather than his sharpest form to get the job done. The 40-year-old went into the week knowing his future in the league depended on strong performances, and he delivered just enough when it mattered most.
After shooting a consistent 66 on Saturday, Kim stumbled early on Sunday and was one over par through six holes. He recovered with birdies at Nos. 7 and 9, but gave one back at the 10th to stay level for the day. Birdies on the 11th and 16th holes provided crucial breathing room, and despite a closing bogey, Kim signed for a 1-under 69, moving two shots clear of a tie for fourth place.
“It feels great,” says Kim. “I’m not here to prove everyone wrong. I’m here to prove me right. I’ve worked so hard. I’m so grateful to be back on this stage.”
Canada’s Richard T. Lee and Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren claimed the top two spots in the field and will join Kim at LIV Golf’s season opener on February 4 in Saudi Arabia. Lee dominated the week, shooting rounds of 64-66-64-65 to win the medalist lead by five shots. Hellgren closed with a final round 64 to secure second place.
Lee, 35, becomes the first Canadian to compete in LIV Golf. He is a veteran of the Asian Tour with six career victories and previously competed as a 16-year-old at the US Open at Oakmont in 2007.
“It’s been over three years of trying to get into LIV Golf through the International Series,” Lee said. “I have worked quite hard to reach this position and I am looking forward to this year.”
Several others earned exempt stamps for the international series of the Asian tour, including Lucas Bjererageard, Sarit Suwannarut, Sarit Suwanarut, Oliver Bekker, Jazz janewananond, Takaniri Koonshi, Matt Jones, Cr.
Kim finished 56th in LIV Golf’s individual rankings in 2024 and 55th in 2025, with a best competitive result of a tie for 25th in Dallas last June. He showed signs of progress at the end of last season, finishing tied for fifth at the PIF Saudi International in November.
“This is just the first step,” Kim said. “But I’m glad I earned my spot. I’ll come back soon and start winning golf tournaments.”
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