Three players secure starting spots for the upcoming LIV Golf 2026 season, including comeback player 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. Two final rounds, 36 holes, lots of pressure – in the end, Richard T. Lee, Bjorn Hellgren, and Anthony Kim secured their places for the upcoming year in LIV Golf, which starts 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 shines at LIV Golf Promotions
Richard T. Lee from Canada won the LIV Golf Promotions with a total score of eleven under par. With rounds of 64 and 65 on the final weekend, he played his way clearly to the top. He is the first Canadian to qualify for LIV Golf. The decision to participate was made at short notice as he registered for the event only at the beginning of January. Lee, who already has six professional wins, has played in recent years on the Asian and Korean Tours and was the 2013 Rookie of the Year on the Asian Tour.
Hellgren takes full risk and gets rewarded
Bjorn Hellgren had a lot to catch up on Sunday. Starting 11th, not a comfortable position. But the Swede went all-in: four birdies in the last six holes, a 64 – tied course record – and second place. His play on the final day was long off the tee, accurate on approach, and sharp with the putter. Hellgren knows how to work his way up from behind. This will be his first appearance at LIV Golf in 2026. The 35-year-old brings eight professional wins with him, most recently claiming victory at the Saudi Open in December.
Kim returns to LIV Golf – this time on his own merit
Anthony Kim is already familiar with the LIV Golf stage, but his third start in the league comes with a special note. He returned in 2024 after a twelve-year break and was granted wildcard status for two years. Afterwards, that ended. Now he has earned his spot back on his own merit. With a 66 on Saturday and a 69 on Sunday, he secured third place – thanks largely to smart course management and an important putt on the 14th hole. By qualifying for 2026, the 40-year-old continues his journey after twelve years away from competitive golf, now with a firm place in the LIV Golf calendar. “I believe in myself more than anyone else,” Kim said, and after his story, you immediately believe him.