Three players secure their spots for the 2026 LIV Golf season at the Promotions event, including returnee Anthony Kim.
A spot in the LIV Golf League is fiercely contested. At the Black Diamond Ranch Promotions, 22 players competed for exactly three wildcards for the 2026 season. Two final rounds, 36 holes, plenty of pressure – and in the end, Richard T. Lee, Bjorn Hellgren, and Anthony Kim earned their places for next year’s LIV Golf season, starting on February 4 in Riyadh. In addition to the wildcards, ten other players qualified for the International Series of the Asian Tour.
Richard T. Lee Triumphs at LIV Golf Promotions
Canadian Richard T. Lee won the LIV Golf Promotions with a total score of eleven under par. With rounds of 64 and 65 on the final weekend, he clearly led the field. He is the first Canadian to qualify for LIV Golf. His decision to participate came at short notice, as he registered for the event only in early January. Lee, who has six professional wins to his name, has recently played on the Asian and Korean Tours and was the 2013 Asian Tour Rookie of the Year.
Hellgren Takes Risks and Gets Rewarded
Bjorn Hellgren had a lot to make up on Sunday, starting from 11th place, not an ideal position. The Swede went all-in: four birdies on the last six holes, a 64 – a shared course record – and second place. His final day game combined long drives, precise approach shots, and sharp putting. Now, for the first time, the 35-year-old Hellgren will be playing LIV Golf in 2026, bringing eight professional wins with him, including the recent Saudi Open in December.
Anthony Kim Returns to LIV Golf on His Own Merit
Anthony Kim is no stranger to the LIV Golf stage, but his third start in the league comes with a special twist. After coming back in 2024 following a twelve-year hiatus, he was granted wildcard status for two years, which then ended. This time, he earned his spot outright with rounds of 66 on Saturday and 69 on Sunday, finishing third. Key factors were smart course management and a crucial putt on the 14th hole. Now 40, Kim continues his journey after a twelve-year break with a secured place in the LIV Golf calendar. “I believe in myself more than anyone else,” Kim said, and given his story, it’s easy to believe him.