At the LIV Golf Promotions, three players secure spots for the upcoming season, including returning star Anthony Kim.
A place in the LIV Golf League is fiercely 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, immense pressure – and in the end, Richard T. Lee, Bjorn Hellgren, and Anthony Kim secured their spots for the upcoming LIV Golf season starting on February 4 in Riyadh. Besides the wildcards, ten more 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 clearly took the lead. He is the first Canadian to qualify for LIV Golf. His decision to participate was short notice, having registered only in early January. Lee, who 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 big risks and is rewarded
Bjorn Hellgren was still trailing on Sunday, sitting in 11th place with an uncomfortable position. But the Swede went all-in: four birdies on the last six holes, a 64 tied course record, earning him second place. His final day game was marked by long drives, accuracy to the green, and hot putting. Hellgren knows how to climb the leaderboard from behind. This will be his first LIV Golf season in 2026. The 35-year-old holds eight professional wins, the most recent being the Saudi Open in December.
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 has a special note. In 2024, after a twelve-year hiatus, he returned with a two-year wildcard status, which has now expired. He earned his spot back through performance, shooting 66 on Saturday and 69 on Sunday, securing third place. Key factors were smart course management and a crucial putt on the 14th hole. Qualifying for 2026 continues the 40-year-old’s comeback after twelve years away from professional golf, now with a permanent spot on the LIV Golf calendar. “I believe in myself more than anyone else,” Kim said, a statement that resonates given his journey.