Canada's Richard T. Lee dominated, Sweden's Bjorn Hellgren posted a clutch low round, and Anthony Kim staged an inspiring return at Black Diamond Ranch. The trio secured the three wild card spots from this week's LIV Golf Promotions, joining International Series qualifiers Scott Vincent and Yosuke Asaji for the 13 regular-season events in 2026. They debut (or return) at the Riyadh opener, February 4-7.
Lee and Hellgren make their LIV bows; Kim returns for a third wild card season after relegation last year following a 12-year retirement. His progress shone through.
“Tough moments came, but I trust myself most,” Kim said. “Grinding paid off.”
Lee sealed a five-shot win at 11-under with a final 65 (best rounds: 64-66-64-65), becoming Canada's first LIV player with just two bogeys all week. “21 under here is unreal,” he said.
Hellgren, post-Saudi Open win, fired a course-record-tying 64 after starting outside the top 10: “We went all in.”
Kim birdied the 11th to lead, saved par clutchly on 14, and held a three-shot edge despite a final bogey. “That putt swung momentum.”
Both newcomers eye LIV's elite field (DeChambeau, Rahm, etc.). “Need more distance, sharper shorts,” Lee said. Hellgren: “This changes our lives, but I'm there to win.”
Kim savored the moment: “Doctors gave me two weeks to live three years ago. This is a blessing.”