Anthony Kim is returning to LIV Golf 2026 after finishing third in the LIV Promotions event. The 40-year-old, who spent past two years as a wild-card on the Saudi-backed circuit, was relegated at the end of 2025. He retained his card on Sunday by clinching one of three spots on offer at the four-round event at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida.

Kim’s performance to retain his LIV card gained applause from across the golf world. LIV icon Phil Mickelson was one of the firsts to recognize the achievement. The HyFlyers GC skipper, who played a major role in popularizing LIV Golf, turned the moment inspirational by drawing parallels between Kim’s life and his game. The 55-year-old addressed the golfer’s recovery from struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which had caused his decade long absence from pro golf.

The six-time major winner lauded the former PGA Tour rival’s come back as ‘truly inspirational.’

Phil Mickeslon wrote on X:

“AK gets his life back and now his golf game is back. He’s on LIV Golf for 2026. Congratulations! Truly Inspirational.”

This comes just a day after Mickelson applauded Kim on for his form at the LIV Golf Promotions event. The veteran golfer called the relegated wild card a “tough competitor” while reacting to a putt he made in Florida.

Anthony Kim keeps his LIV Golf 2026 card

Richard T. Lee of Canada won the LIV Golf Promotions event at Black Diamond Ranch after finishing the four-day event at 11-under. Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren, who closed in 64 to end up at 6 under after the scores were reset after opening two rounds, followed the champion. Meanwhile, Anthony Kim, who was exempt into the second round after 2025 relegation, shot 69 to make the second cut.

The three-time PGA Tour winner followed it up with rounds of 66 and 69 to finish third. He stayed two shots four players at T-4 at the end of the final round after birdies on three of five holes starting at No. 7 and another at the par-5 16th. The former Ryder Cupper is set to tee it up on the Saudi League this season despite finishing No.55 in the 2025 season-long standings.

Anthony Kim said on Sunday, as quoted by Golf Channel:

“I’m not here to prove everybody wrong. I’m here to prove myself right. I’ve worked so hard, and this little girl (daughter Bella) right here is one of the reasons why. Obviously, my wife (Emily) has been so supportive. I’ve had so much support behind me all year, the last two years since I’ve been back. I’m so grateful that I’m back on the stage…

This is just the first step, but I’m glad I earned my spot so everybody could quit talking s***, and I’ll be back soon and I’ll be winning golf tournaments soon.”

It is pertinent to note that Kim entered the promotions event on the back of a T5 finish at the Asian Tour’s PIF Saudi International in November, his best finish since 2011.

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