Three names. Three journeys. And now, three tickets punched to LIV Golf 2026.
The sun set on a fiercely contested Promotions Event at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida, where 22 players vied for only three coveted wild-card entries into LIV Golf’s next season. The format was ruthless: 36 holes over the weekend, no room for error, and no safety net. When the final putts dropped on Sunday, three players emerged, each with their own storyline, their own momentum, and their own reasons to believe they’re ready for the next level.
Richard T. Lee Shines as Canada’s First LIV Golf Entrant
Let’s begin with Richard T. Lee, whose performance over four days left little doubt about his readiness. Lee, a 35-year-old Canadian with a steady game and cold-blooded precision, carded four straight rounds in the 60s, including a pair of 64s. He finished the 36-hole shootout at 11-under, five shots clear of the field, a margin that speaks not only to consistency but dominance. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. In becoming the first Canadian to join LIV Golf this season, Lee brings both firepower and international appeal to a league that’s continuously expanding its global footprint.
Hellgren’s Late Charge Pays Off
Then there’s Bjorn Hellgren, a name perhaps unfamiliar to many, but no longer. Starting the final day tied for 11th, the 35-year-old Swede delivered when it mattered most, birdieing his final hole to card a Sunday 64 and vault into solo second at 6-under. It was a surge that combined patience, grit, and a flair for the dramatic, exactly the kind of traits LIV Golf thrives on. Hellgren’s rise may be the least expected of the trio, but his finishing kick was anything but accidental.
Anthony Kim’s Return Signals Experience Still Matters
And finally, Anthony Kim, a name that once held weight on the PGA Tour and now continues to evolve under LIV Golf’s banner. At 40, Kim’s journey is no longer about proving anything to critics; it’s about resilience and revival. Shooting 66-69 over the weekend, Kim did enough to reclaim his wild-card spot for a third season, finishing third overall. His presence adds veteran savvy and name recognition to the LIV roster, and his game, it seems, still has plenty of gas in the tank.
Notably, while only three players earned wild-card status, the top 10 and ties, including former LIV Golf member Matt Jones, secured exemptions into the 2026 Asian Tour International Series, which remains a key developmental pipeline for the LIV ecosystem.
In a league defined by bold narratives and high-stakes disruption, these three additions add fresh intrigue to an already volatile mix. Whether they become footnotes or fixtures will be decided inside the ropes, but for now, their stories take a dramatic turn, from hopefuls to LIV Golf contenders.
