At the LIV Golf Promotions, three players earn starting spots for the 2026 season, including returning star Anthony Kim.
A spot in the LIV Golf League is highly contested. At the promotions held at Black Diamond Ranch, 22 players competed for exactly three wildcards for the 2026 season. After two final rounds and 36 holes under pressure, Richard T. Lee, Bjorn Hellgren, and Anthony Kim secured their places for the upcoming LIV Golf season starting February 4 in Riyadh. Besides the wildcards, ten additional players qualified for the Asian Tour’s International Series.
Richard T. Lee Triumphs at LIV Golf Promotions
Canadian Richard T. Lee won the LIV Golf Promotions with an overall score of eleven under par. His final weekend rounds of 64 and 65 put him clearly in the lead. He is the first Canadian to qualify for LIV Golf. His decision to participate was last minute, registering only in early January. Lee, with six professional wins, has played on the Asian and Korean Tours and was the Asian Tour Rookie of the Year in 2013.
Hellgren Takes Big Risks and Reaps Rewards
Bjorn Hellgren faced a challenging Sunday with 11th place starting position. Taking a risk, the Swede made four birdies in the last six holes, firing a 64 – tying the course record – to claim second place. His game plan included long drives, precise approach shots, and hot putting. Making his LIV Golf debut in 2026, the 35-year-old brings eight professional wins, including the Saudi Open last December.
Anthony Kim Returns to LIV Golf on His Own Merit
Anthony Kim is familiar with the LIV Golf stage, but his third league start carries a special significance. After a 12-year hiatus, Kim returned in 2024 with a two-year wildcard status. Now, he earned his spot through performance. With rounds of 66 on Saturday and 69 on Sunday, Kim finished third, aided by smart course management and a crucial putt on hole 14. At 40, he continues his path after a long break, holding a secured place in the 2026 LIV Golf calendar. “I believe in myself more than anyone else,” Kim stated, and his story makes that belief convincing.