Anthony Kim’s return to LIV Golf came with a message
After spending the past two seasons at LIV Golf, Anthony Kim’s golf comeback hit a high note when he finished the 2025 season in LIV’s “Drop Zone”.
In two seasons at LIV, the 40-year-old Kim, who returned to competitive golf after a 12-year layoff in 2024, only finished in the top 25. Kim finished the 2025 season ranked 55th in the individual rankings and was kicked out of the Saudi-backed league.
But Kim’s time out of LIV was short-lived as the former World No.
Kim was eliminated in the second round of the four-day tournament, which awarded spots in the 2026 season to the top three finishers. Kim shot a second round 69 and made a clutch putt on the 18th hole to get to the weekend. He then went 66-69 over the weekend to finish in third place, four shots ahead of the four players who finished tied for fourth.
“This is just the first step,” Kim said after finding her place. “I’m glad I got my place so everyone can stop talking, and I’ll be back soon and I’ll be winning golf tournaments soon.”
Kim entered the church at Black Diamond hoping to get his ticket back to LIV, but he believes that his game is trending and a return to the top will come regardless of where he takes it in 2026.
“I played a lot of golf,” Kim said. “My outlook on life has changed. The way I look at golf has changed. Obviously, it would be a great feeling to make it back to LIV and qualify. But this is not the only thing I have left. I have many things I want to do in the future. Be competitive in golf, but there is more to life than golf in the next few years. I am looking forward to playing golf.
After three solid rounds in Florida, Kim will continue his golf comeback in the Saudi-backed league in 2026.
He will be joined by Richard T. Lee of Canada, who won the event at 11 under. The 35-year-old Lee has won seven times between the Asian Tour and the Korean Tour. He will be the first Canadian to join LIV.
Bjorn Hellgren of Sweden shot a Sunday 64 to finish at 6 under (scores reset after Friday) and finish in second place. Hellgren worked with Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger at Florida State. He won the 2025 Saudi Open on the Asian Tour.
As for Kim, Sunday’s 69 was the latest small step in a golf comeback that has called for the former Ryder Cupper to regain some of the form needed to compete on the professional stage. Kim admitted that he was just trying to “not hit” the ball when he first came back. But he is gaining confidence and has been putting in the work needed to make his comeback worthwhile. He took out the T5 card at PIF Saudi International and will now return to LIV to continue his comeback journey.
“I’m not here to prove everyone wrong; I’m here to prove myself right,” Kim said on Sunday. “I worked hard, with this little girl right here [Kim’s daughter] is one of the reasons why. Obviously, my wife has been very supportive. I’ve had a lot of support throughout the year, the last two years I’ve been back. I am very grateful to be back at this stage.”
